Daily Current Affairs & GK – 22 August 2026
Here is the Daily Current Affairs and GK for 22 August 2026, prepared for UPSC, SSC, IBPS, Banking, RRB, NTPC, State PSC and other competitive examinations. These updates focus on important national and international developments, economy and banking, appointments, science and technology, sports and culture, awards and recognition, important days and static GK.
National
BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting concludes in Visakhapatnam
The BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting 2026 concluded in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, on 22 August under India's BRICS Chairship. The meeting adopted a Joint Statement focusing on youth cooperation, education, skills, entrepreneurship, innovation, wellbeing and sustainable development.
The meeting was chaired by Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, with Minister of State Raksha Nikhil Khadse participating in the Indian delegation.
Supreme Court Special Lok Adalat settles over 400 cases
The Supreme Court settled more than 400 cases on the first day of a three-day Special Lok Adalat organised under the “Samadhan Samaroh” initiative.
More than 600 cases were listed before 16 benches. The cases included matrimonial disputes, property disputes, motor-accident claims, land-acquisition and compensation matters, tax disputes, and service and labour cases.
Government restricts certain medicines for children below four
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare restricted the manufacture, sale and distribution of fixed-dose combinations containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride for use in children below four years.
Manufacturers have been directed to display a clear warning that these combinations should not be used for children below four years. The decision followed recommendations from an Expert Committee and the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) and was issued under Section 26A of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
IGNOU introduces seven new career-focused programmes
The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) introduced seven career-focused programmes from its July 2026 session.
The programmes include postgraduate degrees and diplomas in areas such as climate change and women's and gender studies, along with programmes in environmental studies, rural studies and criminal justice social work. IGNOU also facilitated enrolment of 75 jail inmates through its Nagpur Regional Centre.
Mission Zero workshop focuses on sanitation-worker safety
A national workshop titled “Mission Zero – Ending Fatalities in Sanitation Work” was organised in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
The workshop focused on mechanised sanitation, institutional preparedness, appropriate technology and improving the safety and dignity of sanitation workers.
INS Mangrol delivered to Indian Navy
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) delivered Mangrol, the third Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) in an eight-ship series, to the Indian Navy.
The vessel has more than 80% indigenous content and is equipped for coastal anti-submarine warfare, underwater surveillance, low-intensity maritime operations and mine warfare. It is propelled by waterjets and carries torpedoes, anti-submarine rockets and advanced radar and sonar systems.
International
Bangladesh gets new President
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir took oath as the 23rd President of Bangladesh on 21 August and began official duties on 22 August. He was elected with 255 of 343 valid votes in Bangladesh's presidential election.
On 22 August, President Fakhrul paid tribute to the martyrs of Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War at the National Martyrs' Memorial in Savar.
DR Congo and M23 agree on roadmap for peace talks
The Democratic Republic of the Congo and the AFC/M23 group agreed on a roadmap for continuing peace negotiations following talks linked to the Doha process.
The development is aimed at advancing negotiations towards a comprehensive peace agreement in eastern DR Congo.
Iran warns against participation in US economic measures
Iran warned countries against joining the United States' planned economic pressure campaign against Tehran. The developments came amid continuing tensions involving Iran, the United States and maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.
Earthquake strikes near Japan
A 5.9-magnitude earthquake was recorded near the southern coast of Honshu, Japan, on 22 August 2026. The earthquake was recorded at a depth of about 70 km.
Economy and Banking
RBI forex swap facility receives $72.85 billion inflows
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) said its special USD-INR forex swap facility had received $72.85 billion in forex inflows up to 21 August 2026.
Of the total:
$65.4 billion came through FCNR(B) deposits
$4.86 billion came through Overseas Foreign Currency Borrowings
$2.59 billion came through External Commercial Borrowings
The facility was introduced to encourage dollar inflows into India amid pressure on the rupee.
29 FDI proposals worth more than ₹4,800 crore reported
The government said 29 Foreign Direct Investment proposals involving more than ₹4,800 crore had been reported under the revised FDI framework as of 20 August.
The proposals covered sectors including information technology, artificial intelligence, communications, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, data centres and transport services.
The revised framework was notified under the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-Debt Instruments) Amendment Rules on 1 May 2026.
Appointments
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir becomes President of Bangladesh
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir became the 23rd President of Bangladesh after taking the presidential oath in Dhaka.
RBI Central Board appointments
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath Sreedhara Panicker was appointed as a part-time, non-official director on the RBI Central Board, while Anand Gopal Mahindra was reappointed to the Board. Both appointments are for four years with effect from 20 August 2026.
Science and Technology
AI and technology discussed in textile sector
During his visit to NIFT Mumbai, Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh highlighted the potential of Artificial Intelligence, blockchain and 3D printing in transforming India's textile and fashion sectors.
He also inaugurated a new Bunakar Seva Kendra (Weavers' Service Centre) facility at the NIFT Mumbai campus.
Mission Zero promotes technology-based sanitation
The Bhubaneswar Mission Zero workshop highlighted mechanisation and technology as important tools for improving sanitation-worker safety and reducing fatalities.
Sports and Culture
Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand win bronze at BWF World Championships
Indian women's doubles pair Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand secured the bronze medal at the 2026 BWF World Championships in New Delhi.
The Indian pair lost to top seeds and defending champions Liu Shengshu and Tan Ning of China in the semifinal, 21-18, 13-21, 8-21.
They became only the second Indian women's doubles pair to win a World Championship medal, after Jwala Gutta and Ashwini Ponnappa.
72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race held in Kerala
The 72nd Nehru Trophy Boat Race was held at Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha, Kerala, on 22 August 2026.
The traditional Chundan Vallam (snake boat) race is one of Kerala's major sporting and cultural events. The 2026 edition marked the 72nd running of the event.
Indian wrestlers win medals at U20 World Championships
At the U20 World Wrestling Championships, Indian wrestlers added three medals on 22 August.
Mansi Lather – Silver, women's 68 kg
Tanvi Gundesh Magdum – Bronze, women's 57 kg
Komal – Bronze, women's 59 kg
Earlier, Kajal Dhochak won gold in the 76 kg category, while Tanu Sharma and Savita won silver medals.
IFFI 2026 preparations reviewed
Preparations for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI) were reviewed by the Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan.
IFFI 2026 is scheduled to be held in Goa from 20 to 28 November 2026.
Awards and Recognition
Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026
The Gaj Gaurav Awards 2026 recognised mahouts and elephant handlers for their contribution to elephant conservation and rescue efforts.
The awards are associated with India's efforts to protect elephants and strengthen conservation practices.
Obituary
Sowcar Janaki
Veteran South Indian actress Sowcar Janaki passed away on 21 August 2026 at the age of 94. On 22 August, film personalities and political leaders paid their last respects to the Padma Shri awardee.
Janaki had a career spanning more than seven decades and worked in Telugu, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam cinema.
Days Observed
International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief
The United Nations observes 22 August as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief.
The day honours victims and survivors of violence committed on the basis of religion or belief and promotes respect for freedom of religion or belief.
Important Day – 22 August
Static GK for Exam Preparations
| Topic | Key Fact |
|---|---|
| RBI | India's central bank |
| FCNR(B) | Foreign Currency Non-Resident (Bank) deposits |
| ASW | Anti-Submarine Warfare |
| INS Mangrol | Third ASW Shallow Water Craft in its eight-ship series |
| Cochin Shipyard | Headquarters: Kochi, Kerala |
| IGNOU | Headquarters: New Delhi |
| BWF | Badminton World Federation |
| Nehru Trophy Boat Race | Held at Punnamada Lake, Alappuzha |
| IFFI | International Film Festival of India |
| Bangladesh | Capital: Dhaka |
| Strait of Hormuz | Connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman |
| Article 51A | Fundamental Duties in the Indian Constitution |
| PM-AASHA | Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan |
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