Current Affairs Quiz 25th and 26th August 2026 Quiz

Explanation:

• In August 2026, the Government of Maharashtra and the German State of Hesse signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in areas including investment, industry, innovation, employment and skill development.
• The MoU was signed by Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister (CM), Maharashtra and Boris Rhein, Minister-President of Hesse, at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Explanation:

• The Odisha government on 24^th August launched the “Bidesh Sikhyabruti” scholarship scheme to provide financial assistance to Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students aspiring to pursue higher education at top-ranked global universities.
• Each beneficiary under the scheme will receive financial assistance of up to ₹25 lakh per annum. The scholarship is designed to offer comprehensive financial coverage, taking care of tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses, international travel, medical insurance, and other incidental costs.

Explanation:

• Six months into the West Asia war, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has launched “Operation Economic Outcast”, a sustained campaign aimed at cutting off Iran’s financial lifelines.
• The new sectoral sanctions target digital assets, technology, gold, aviation and shipping, while more than 60 entities, individuals and vessels accused of helping Tehran generate oil revenue, procure nuclear and missile technology and conduct cyber operations have also been sanctioned.

Explanation:

• The World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa confirmed the end of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Congo and Uganda following Independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) conducted between January and June 2026.
• The assessments examined disease surveillance, laboratory and epidemiological evidence, population immunity and vaccination campaign performance.

Explanation:

• Punjab National Bank and the Indian Army have signed an exclusive memorandum of understanding. This partnership will offer two specialised credit cards for Army personnel.
• These cards provide benefits like cashback and airport lounge access. Under the partnership, PNB will offer the PNB LUXURA Metal Credit Card for Army officers and the PNB Parakram Credit Card for Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks personnel.

Explanation:

• Kerala’s 19-year-old Kaziah Liz Mejo was crowned the prestigious Miss Universe India 2026 at the grand finale held at Zee Studios in Jaipur on 24th August.
• Mejo beat 52 finalists from across the country to win the title. During the grand finale, Miss Universe India 2025 Manika Vishwakarma crowned her successor.
• Kaziah will now represent India at the 75th Miss Universe pageant, which will be held in Puerto Rico in November.
• 1st Runner-up / Miss International India 2026 is Vaishnavi Gannesh (Tamil Nadu) and 2nd Runner-up is Anushri Satavlekar (Gujarat).

Explanation:

India successfully test-fired its first 100% indigenous AK-203 assault rifle, named ‘Sher’, built entirely with domestic components and input materials at the Korwa Ordnance Facility in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

About ‘Sher’ Rifle

• Manufacturer: Produced by Indo-Russian Rifles Private Limited (IRRPL), a joint venture in Amethi.
• Indigenisation: Achieved 100% domestic sourcing for every part, moving past local assembly of imported kits.
• Purpose: Designed to replace the ageing INSAS 5.56 mm rifles in the Indian Armed Forces.
• Production Goal: The facility aims for a production rate of one rifle every 100 seconds, with over 6 lakh units planned for the military.

Explanation:

• Lando Norris won the 2026 Dutch Grand Prix at Zandvoort. The victory marked his second consecutive Formula 1 win. Kimi Antonelli finished second, while George Russell secured third place.
• Lando Norris is a British racing driver who competes in Formula One for

Explanation:

• India’s 19-year-old Grandmaster Pranesh M (from Karaikudi in Tamil Nadu) emerged as the champion in the prestigious Kanizsa Open 2026 in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, securing the Group A title with a superb performance.
• In the ninth and final round of the tournament, Pranesh defeated Vadim Petrovskiy of Germany with white pieces. Pranesh has a rating of 267
• 3 and is ranked 44th in the latest FIDE Rankings of August 2026.

Explanation:

• India Open Super 750 tournament will be shifted to Guwahati for the 2028 edition due to clash with Republic Day in New Delhi, Badminton Association of India secretary Sanjay confirmed on 24th August.
• The tournament, usually held at the IG Indoor Stadium in New Delhi, will move to the National Center of Excellence of Badminton in Guwahati for one season due to the dates clashing with the celebration of the Republic Day in the capital city.

Explanation:

• India is working to establish its own space station by 2035, with the first module of the proposed Bharatiya Antariksha Station (BAS) already approved, ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan said on 24th August.
• Speaking at the third National Space Day celebrations in Ahmedabad, Narayanan said India’s space programme has expanded significantly since its launch 64 years ago, with space-based applications now being used across more than 50 areas that directly benefit citizens.

Explanation:

• European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot has officially made history as the first French woman to walk in space.
• During U.S. Spacewalk 97 outside the International Space Station, Adenot spent over six hours performing maintenance, marking a major milestone for European spaceflight.

Explanation: Women’s Equality Day is observed annually on 26 August. It commemorates the 1920 adoption of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which secured women’s right to vote. The 2026 theme mentioned in the file is “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”

Explanation:

• Onam is Keralam’s largest and most vibrant harvest festival. A 10-day harvest festival starting with Atham on August 17 and culminating on Thiruvonam on August 26, 2026.
• it is celebrated during the month of Chingam according to the Malayalam solar calendar, which corresponds to August-September. The festival marks a period of abundance, unity, and cultural pride, bringing people together from all walks of life.
• According to mythology, the festival honours the return of King Mahabali, a wise and generous ruler who once governed Keralam. His reign was considered a golden era filled with prosperity and joy. Seeing his growing power, the Gods sought help from Lord Vishnu, who assumed the form of a dwarf named Vamana.

Explanation: Dr. Arindam Chaudhuri, a management thinker, author and education entrepreneur, launched his book ‘Africa Before America’ in August 2026. The book explores historical perspectives on Africa’s role and significance before the rise of modern America.