This is the current affairs 30 & 31 August 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Which countries did PM Modi visit in August 2026?
a. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
b. China and Japan
c. Nepal and Bhutan
d. Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
Answer: a. Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi undertook a four-day official visit to Central Asia (Uzbekistan and the Kyrgyz Republic) from 29 August to 1 September 2026.
– This visit was important from the perspective of strengthening India’s ‘Extended Neighbourhood’ policy, energy security, and the ‘Central Asia Connect’ strategy with Central Asian countries.
State Visit to Uzbekistan (29 – 30 August 2026)
– At the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Prime Minister Modi visited Tashkent. This was his fourth visit to Uzbekistan as Prime Minister.
Bilateral and Delegation-Level Talks with Uzbekistan:
– Development Policies: Agreement was reached to advance the shared development vision of ‘Viksit Bharat 2047’ and ‘Uzbekistan-2030’.
– Areas of Cooperation: Trade and investment, defence, digital connectivity, energy, education, and People-to-People ties were reviewed and a future roadmap was prepared.
26th SCO Summit in Kyrgyzstan
– At the invitation of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan), Sadyr Japarov, the Prime Minister travelled from Tashkent to Bishkek, where he participated in the 26th Summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). (31 August – 1 September 2026)
Participated in the Opening of the Nomad Games
– He specially attended the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, showcasing the rich cultural heritage of Central Asia.
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2. In which country were the 6th World Nomad Games held, in which Indian athletes also participated?
a. Uzbekistan
b. China
c. Tajikistan
d. Kyrgyzstan
Answer: d. Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek)
Sixth Edition of the World Nomad Games
– Host Country: Kyrgyz Republic (Kyrgyzstan)
– Duration: 31 August to 6 September 2026
– Special Development: Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended its grand opening ceremony held in Bishkek on 31 August 2026.
About the World Nomad Games
– The World Nomad Games are called the “Olympics of Nomadic Culture”.
– It is the world’s largest cultural-sports festival that preserves and showcases the traditional tribal and nomadic heritage, sports, and arts of Central Asia and the world.
– Beginning: The concept of these games was proposed by the Kyrgyz government in 2012, and the first event was held in 2014 in Kyrgyzstan (Cholpon-Ata).
– They are held every two years in different countries.
– Initially, the first three editions were held in Kyrgyzstan itself, but after 2018, the practice of hosting them in other countries also began.
– Participating Countries: Not only Central Asian countries, but more than around 80 countries from across the world participate in it (including India, the USA, and several European countries).
– UNESCO Recognition: In 2021, UNESCO included it in the list of ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’.
Major Sports and Competitions
– Traditional sports based on the physical skills and strategy of nomadic tribes are played at this festival:
– Kok-Boru: An extremely popular and fast-paced equestrian sport in which two teams riding horses attempt to score points in an opponent’s goal post.
– Er Enish: A traditional wrestling sport fought on horseback.
– Mas-Wrestling: Both players sit facing each other and attempt to pull a wooden stick towards themselves.
– Salbuurun: Demonstration of the art of hunting with a Golden Eagle and traditional archery.
– Ethno-Wrestling: Various wrestling styles of Central Asian countries.
– Toguz Korgool: A traditional intellectual and strategic board game played with nine stones/counters.
India’s Participation
– Traditional Sports and Wrestling: India has sent its official contingent of players to participate in Belt Wrestling (Belt Wrestling / Alysh) and other traditional wrestling and strength-testing competitions under this event.
– In previous editions (such as 2022 Turkey and 2024 Kazakhstan), Indian athletes also won medals in traditional sports such as Mas-Wrestling, Kurash, and Belt Wrestling.
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3. Which country conferred its highest civilian honor, ‘Oli Darzali Dostlik’, upon PM Modi in August 2026?
a. Uzbekistan
b. China
c. Tajikistan
d. Kyrgyzstan
Answer: a. Uzbekistan
– PM Modi received this as his 36th international award.
– President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev conferred this honor upon Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tashkent.
– This is the highest civilian honor of Uzbekistan.
– This honor is given to global leaders who promote friendship, peace, and bilateral relations at the international level.
Meaning of Oli Darzali Dostlik
– The Uzbek-language term ‘Oliy Darajali Do’stlik’ literally means ‘Highest Level of Friendship’ (Order of Highest Friendship).
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4. In which city did former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri pass away—a place where PM Modi paid floral tributes at the memorial and planted a sapling in August 2026?
a. Bishkek
b. Tashkent
c. Astana
d. Ashgabat
Answer: b. Tashkent (capital of Uzbekistan)
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes at the Shastri Memorial in the capital of Uzbekistan on 30 August 2026 and planted a sapling with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
– India’s second then Prime Minister Shastri suddenly passed away in the capital of Uzbekistan on 11 January 1966.
– He passed away just a few hours after signing the historic Tashkent Declaration to end the 1965 India-Pakistan War.
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5. With which of these Central Asian countries did India agree in August 2026 to establish a new institutional framework for the long-term supply of uranium?
a. Uzbekistan
b. Germany
c. Japan
d. Singapore
Answer: a. Uzbekistan
– Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan are major suppliers of uranium for India’s nuclear power plants. In the recent India-Uzbekistan talks, an agreement was reached on a framework for the Long-term Uranium Supply.
India’s Need for Nuclear Fuel
– India imports more than 70% of uranium for its Civil Nuclear Energy Requirements from the international market.
Major Supplier Countries
– Kazakhstan: It is India’s largest and most reliable uranium supplier. Kazakhstan’s national company ‘Kazatomprom’ supplies the largest quantity of natural uranium to India.
– Uzbekistan: The second major supplier in Central Asia. Following the 2019-2026 contract (1,100 metric tonnes), recently (30 August 2026), India and Uzbekistan agreed to establish a new institutional framework for the long-term supply of uranium.
– Canada (Canada): India has a long-term agreement with Canada’s major mining company ‘Cameco’. Canada is supplying uranium Ore to India’s nuclear plants.
– Russia: Russia’s company ‘TVEL’ mainly supplies Enriched Uranium Pellets for India’s Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant (Tamil Nadu) and Tarapur Plant (Maharashtra).
Potential/Proposed Suppliers
– Australia (Australia): India and Australia have concluded a Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, under which the way is open for future uranium supplies from Australia.
– France (France): Under earlier agreements, India has also received uranium from France for civilian use.
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6. During PM Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan (August 2026), what target did the two countries set for bilateral trade by the year 2030?
a. $1 billion
b. $2 billion
c. $5 billion
d. $8 billion
Answer: c. $5 billion
– India and Uzbekistan upgraded their relations to the level of a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
– During this, a target was set to increase bilateral trade to $5 billion by 2030.
– Eleven agreements were signed during the talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent (30 August 2026).
India-Uzbekistan: 11 Major Agreements and Decisions
1) Cultural Exchange Programme (2026-2030): To promote art, culture, and People-to-People relations.
2) Buddhist Heritage Conservation Agreement (Letter of Intent): For the conservation and restoration of the ancient Buddhist sites—Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa—located in Termez, Uzbekistan.
3) Critical Minerals & Geology: Between India’s Ministry of Mines and Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Mining Industry and Geology for the mining and exploration of critical minerals (lithium, copper, etc.).
4) Economic & Financial Dialogue: To establish a framework for comprehensive economic and financial cooperation between the Finance Ministries of both countries.
5) Tourism Partnership Programme (2026-2028): To increase tourism between the two countries and strengthen institutional cooperation.
6) Environmental Protection and Climate Change: Cooperation between India’s Ministry of Environment and Uzbekistan’s Committee for Ecology and Climate Change.
7) Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine: Agreement with the Ministry of AYUSH to promote Ayurveda and traditional systems of medicine.
8) Higher Education and Scientific Research: Academic cooperation between universities and research institutions of both countries.
9) Cooperation in Archival Work: For the preservation of historical documents between India’s National Archives and Uzbekistan’s ‘Uzarchive’ agency.
10) Diplomatic Training: For the training of diplomats between India’s Sushma Swaraj Foreign Service Institute and Uzbekistan’s Diplomatic Academy.
11) State-to-Region Partnership: Agreement between the State of Gujarat, India, and the Samarkand Region of Uzbekistan to establish direct trade and cultural relations.
Major Announcements Besides These Agreements:
– Expansion of UPI: A trade agreement between NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) and Uzbekistan’s NIPC, enabling payments through Indian UPI by scanning Uzbekistan’s QR code (UZQR).
– Aral Sea Grant: A grant of $1 million by India for afforestation and environmental improvement in the Aral Sea region.
– Promotion of Education and Language: 100 ‘Lal Bahadur Shastri Hindi Scholarships’ for Uzbek students and establishment of an ICCR Sanskrit Chair at Tashkent University.
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7. With which country did India sign an agreement to cooperate on the conservation and restoration of the ancient Buddhist sites ‘Fayaz Tepe’ and ‘Kara Tepe’?
a. Japan
b. Indonesia
c. Uzbekistan
d. Singapore
Answer: a. Uzbekistan
– This agreement was signed during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan in August 2026.
– Under this agreement, India will undertake the following practical and technical work using the expertise of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI – Archaeological Survey of India).
– By working on Fayaz Tepa and Kara Tepa in Uzbekistan, India will give a new dimension to its ‘Cultural Diplomacy’ in Central Asia.
Architectural and Archaeological Features
– Fayaz Tepa: Beautiful limestone sculptures of Buddha in the Gandhara art style and frescoes have been found here. It includes a central stupa, a prayer hall (Vihara), and residential quarters for monks. Its stupa matches the style of the Sanchi Stupa.
– Kara Tepa: Buddhist inscriptions written in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts and rare images of Buddha on the walls have been found here. It is a vast Cave Monastery Complex, built by cutting through sandstone hills.
What will the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) do?
– Conservation & Restoration: It will scientifically carry out the chemical and structural conservation of limestone stupas, mud-brick structures, and cave monasteries that are deteriorating due to sunlight, wind, and sand.
– Preservation of Frescoes: It will undertake ‘Chemical Preservation’ to protect the 2,000-year-old paintings of Buddha on the walls of Kara Tepa and Fayaz Tepa from destruction.
– Excavation and Documentation: It will scientifically document archaeological remains and inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts and undertake digital mapping (3D Digital Scanning).
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8. Who became the world champion for the fourth time by winning the 2026 Men’s Hockey World Cup title?
a. Pakistan
b. Spain
c. Belgium
d. Germany
Answer: d. Germany
– Germany defeated Spain 1-0 to win the title.
– Germany became champions for the second consecutive time and for the fourth time in the history of the tournament.
– The final was played on 30 August 2026 at Belfius Hockey Arena in Wavre, Belgium.
– Germany’s field hockey player, H. Michael Struthoff, scored the only decisive goal of the match in the 44th minute.
– The Spanish team had reached the World Cup final for the first time since 1998.
– Tom Grambusch is the captain of the German men’s hockey team.
– Andre Henning is the head coach.
– Argentina won the bronze medal by defeating the Netherlands 2-1.
Equalled Pakistan’s Record
– Germany’s number of World Cup titles has increased to 4.
– It won the titles in 2002, 2006, 2023, and 2026.
– Pakistan has also won the trophy four times.
– It won the trophy in 1971, 1978, 1982, and 1994.
India Secured 8th Place
– India secured 8th place in the 2026 World Cup.
– In the 7th-8th place match, the match between India and Belgium ended in a 3-3 draw.
– However, Belgium won 4-3 in the shootout.
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9. Which lake did US President Donald Trump sign an order to rename ‘Lake America’?
a. ‘Lake Michigan’
b. ‘Lake Ontario’
c. ‘Lake Huron’
d. ‘Lake Louise’
Answer: b. ‘Lake Ontario’
– US President Donald Trump renamed Lake Ontario on 27 August 2026.
– Trump compared this decision with changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the ‘Gulf of America’.
– He jokingly said that now America has one gulf and one lake, and perhaps they may have to think about renaming the Atlantic or Pacific Ocean in the future as well.
– Donald Trump said that the United States does not expect to have much trade with Canada.
– Therefore, the lake’s name is being changed.
– The decision to change the name came amid growing trade tensions between the United States and Canada.
– The US decided to impose a 50% tariff on goods worth about $20 billion, i.e. approximately Rs 1.7 lakh crore, from Canada.
– In response, Canada also announced the imposition of the same tariff on American goods.
– Trump alleged that Canada does not treat the United States properly and that he could not accept this under any circumstances.
Canada Said –
– Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said—We know that the United States is changing the name, but Canadians also know that in reality its name is ‘Lake Ontario’.
– Canada will continue to call the lake ‘Lake Ontario’.
‘Lake Ontario’
– It is one of the five Great Lakes located between the United States and Canada.
– New York is on one side and the Canadian province of Ontario is on the other.
– The border between the two countries also passes through this lake.
– The name Lake Ontario has been in use since before Europeans reached America.
– The name is derived from a word in the language of the Huron community, which is said to mean ‘Lake of Shining Waters’.
– Later, the Canadian province of Ontario was also named after this lake.
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10. When is National Small Scale Industries Day celebrated?
a. 30 August
b. 29 August
c. 28 August
d. 27 August
Answer: a. 30 August
– National Small Scale Industries Day is celebrated every year on 30 August across the country.
– This day is celebrated to mark the contribution made by small-scale industries to the development of India.
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