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21 August 2026 Current Affairs in English – Important Points for Competitive Exams
Here are the important current affairs for 21 August 2026, useful for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railway, APPSC, TSPSC, Defence and other competitive examinations.
🇮🇳 National Current Affairs
1. S. Somanath Appointed to RBI Central Board
Former ISRO Chairman S. Somanath has been appointed as a non-official director on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a four-year term. Industrialist Anand Mahindra has also been reappointed to the RBI Central Board.
2. High Court Bench for Ladakh
The Union Cabinet approved measures enabling the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to hold sittings of its bench in Ladakh, aimed at improving access to justice for people in the Union Territory.
3. Southern Zonal Council Meeting
At the Southern Zonal Council meeting, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu called for greater cooperation among southern states and highlighted the potential for the Southern economy to reach $10 trillion by 2047.
4. India's BRICS Chairship
India is continuing its BRICS Chairship, with emphasis on sustainable development, climate action, sustainable lifestyles, afforestation and the circular economy.
5. Rajiv Gandhi Birth Anniversary Observed
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi on his birth anniversary on August 20.
🌍 International Current Affairs
6. Zambia Presidential Election
Hakainde Hichilema was re-elected as the President of Zambia. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him and highlighted India's multifaceted partnership with Zambia.
7. Iran–US Tensions
Iran's Foreign Minister criticised US President Donald Trump's reported “Economic D-Day” operation amid continuing tensions between the two countries.
💰 Banking & Economy
8. RBI Repo Rate
The Reserve Bank of India retained the repo rate at 5.25% in its August 2026 monetary policy review, keeping the policy stance neutral.
9. Government Securities Auction
The RBI scheduled an underwriting auction for the sale/re-issue of Government Securities worth ₹28,000 crore on August 21, 2026.
10. India's GDP Outlook
RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta said India's economic growth could exceed the RBI's projected 6.7% rate despite global uncertainties, oil-price risks and tariff-related challenges.
🚆 Science, Technology & Education
11. Amrit Bharat Express
Indian Railways has introduced/expanded Amrit Bharat Express services as part of efforts to meet growing passenger demand.
12. Google AI Subscription for Students
Google announced a one-year free AI subscription offer for college students, providing access to its AI-related services.
🏸 Sports Current Affairs
13. BWF World Championships 2026
Indian badminton pairs Treesa Jolly–Gayatri Gopichand and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy–Chirag Shetty are among India's key medal hopes at the BWF World Championships.
🌧️ Important Weather Update
14. Heavy Rainfall Alert
The India Meteorological Department has warned of heavy rain and thunderstorms across several parts of India, with strong winds possible in some regions.
⭐ One-Liners for Competitive Exams
Who was appointed to the RBI Central Board? — S. Somanath
S. Somanath is a former Chairman of? — ISRO
RBI Repo Rate (August 2026)? — 5.25%
RBI policy stance? — Neutral
Who was reappointed to the RBI Central Board? — Anand Mahindra
Which country re-elected Hakainde Hichilema? — Zambia
India is currently chairing which grouping? — BRICS
Ladakh High Court bench belongs to which High Court? — High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh
Who is RBI Deputy Governor mentioned in the GDP outlook? — Poonam Gupta
Southern economy target highlighted for 2047? — $10 trillion
Exam Tip: For Banking, SSC, Railway and APPSC/TSPSC exams, give special attention to appointments, RBI decisions, government initiatives, international leadership changes and sports events.
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