This is the current affairs 1 to 3 August 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. Which of the world’s third-smallest island nation, located in the Pacific Ocean, changed its name to the ‘Republic of Naoero’?
a. Papua New Guinea
b. Palau
c. Nauru
d. Tonga
Answer: c. Nauru
– The United Nations (UN) has also updated the new name in its official records.
– The island nation says that “Naoero” is its original name, while “Nauru” came into common use for the convenience of foreigners.
– The government now believes that the time has come for the country to be known before the world by its original identity.
– The people of the country will now be known as Dei-Naoero instead of Nauruans.
– Naoero is located near the Equator in the Micronesia region of Oceania.
– During the 1970s, due to its vast phosphate reserves, the country was counted among the richest nations in the world.
– Naoero has become the eighth country in the 21st century to change its name.
Became a Sovereign Republic in 1968
– Until the end of the 19th century, Nauru was a small island inhabited by 12 indigenous tribes.
– There was no modern government or military.
– The people depended on fishing, coconut cultivation, and resources obtained from the sea for their livelihood.
– In 1888, Germany intervened and established control over the island.
– In 1914, Australia took control.
– Naoero gained full independence on 31 January 1968 and became a sovereign republic.
The World’s Smallest Countries by Area
– Vatican City: Area of only 0.44 sq km. It is the world’s smallest independent country, located within Rome (Italy).
– Monaco: Area of about 2.02 sq km. It is located near France and is famous for its luxurious casinos and lifestyle.
– Naoero: Area of 21 sq km. It is a small island nation located in the Pacific Ocean.
– Tuvalu: Area of 26 sq km. It is also an island nation in the Pacific Ocean.
– San Marino: Area of 61 sq km. It is completely surrounded by Italy and is the world’s oldest republic.
– Liechtenstein: Area of 160 sq km. It is located in Europe between Switzerland and Austria.
These 8 Countries Changed Their Names
– Old Name : New Name – Year
– East Timor : Timor-Leste – 2002
– Cape Verde : Cabo Verde – 2012
– Czech Republic : Czechia – 2016
– Swaziland : Eswatini – 2018
– Macedonia : North Macedonia – 2019
– Holland : Netherlands – 2020
– Turkey : Türkiye – 2022
– Nauru : Naoero – 2026
Republic of Naoero
– Old Name: Nauru
– Capital: None
– President: David Adeang
– Area: 21.5 sq km
– Languages: Nauruan and English
– Population: 12 thousand
– Currency: Australian Dollar
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2. Glav Lake was declared the first Ramsar Site of which state?
a. Nagaland
b. Assam
c. Manipur
d. Arunachal Pradesh
Answer: d. Arunachal Pradesh
– Glav Lake is located within the Kamlang Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary in Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
– It is the first Ramsar Site of Arunachal Pradesh.
– The announcement was made by Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav on 3 August 2026.
– Glav Lake has become India’s 101st Ramsar Site.
Glav Lake
– It is a beautiful freshwater lake spread over about 8 square kilometres at an altitude of 1,168 metres above sea level.
– It is fed by perennial mountain streams.
– More than 150 tree species and 49 orchid species are found here.
– It is a natural habitat for the Clouded Leopard, White-bellied Heron, and several other rare species.
What is a Wetland?
– A wetland is a type of land where water accumulates during the rainy season. A large number of bird species are also found in such areas.
– In recent years, several sites have been included in the Ramsar List for their conservation, and UNESCO provides assistance for their protection.
Why is it called a Ramsar Site?
– Ramsar is a city in Iran.
– On 2 February 1971, countries around the world signed the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands there.
– Therefore, it is called the Ramsar Convention. Some people also refer to it as the Wetland Convention.
– It came into force in 1975.
– The formal name of the convention is the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance Especially as Waterfowl Habitat.
– It is an intergovernmental treaty that provides guidance for the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
– India signed the convention in 1982.
– In India, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is the nodal ministry for matters related to wetland conservation.
101 Ramsar Sites in India (as of 4 August 2026)
1. Ashtamudi Wetland, Kerala
2. Beas Conservation Reserve, Punjab
3. Bhitarkanika Mangroves, Odisha
4. Bhoj Wetlands, Madhya Pradesh
5. Chandertal Wetland, Himachal Pradesh
6. Chilika Lake, Odisha
7. Deepor Beel, Assam
8. East Kolkata Wetlands, West Bengal
9. Harike Lake, Punjab
10. Hokersar Wetland, Jammu and Kashmir
11. Kanjli Lake, Punjab
12. Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Rajasthan
13. Keshopur-Miani Community Reserve, Punjab
14. Kolleru Lake, Andhra Pradesh
15. Loktak Lake, Manipur
16. Nalsarovar Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
17. Nandur Madhameshwar, Maharashtra
18. Nangal Wildlife Sanctuary, Punjab
19. Nawabganj Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
20. Parvati Arga Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
21. Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
22. Pong Dam Lake, Himachal Pradesh
23. Renuka Wetland, Himachal Pradesh
24. Ropar Lake, Punjab
25. Rudrasagar Lake, Tripura
26. Saman Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
27. Samaspur Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
28. Sambhar Lake, Rajasthan
29. Sandi Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
30. Sarsai Nawar, Uttar Pradesh
31. Sasthamkotta Lake, Kerala
32. Sundarban Wetland, West Bengal
33. Surinsar-Mansar Lakes, Jammu and Kashmir
34. Tsomoriri Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
35. Upper Ganga River, Uttar Pradesh
36. Vembanad-Kol Wetland, Kerala
37. Wular Lake, Jammu and Kashmir
38. Asan Conservation Reserve, Uttarakhand
39. Kabartal (Kanwar Lake), Bihar
40. Keetham Lake (Soor Sarovar), Uttar Pradesh (Agra)
41. Lonar Lake, Maharashtra
42. Startsapuk Tso and Tso Kar Lakes, Ladakh
43. Sultanpur National Park, Haryana
44. Bhindawas Wildlife Sanctuary, Haryana
45. Thol Lake Wildlife Sanctuary, Gujarat
46. Wadhvana Wetland, Gujarat
47. Haiderpur Wetland, Uttar Pradesh
48. Khijadia Bird Sanctuary, Gujarat
49. Bakhira Wildlife Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh
50. Kariikili Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
51. Pallikaranai Marsh Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu
52. Pichavaram Mangroves, Tamil Nadu
53. Pala Wetland, Mizoram
54. Sakhya Sagar Wetland, Madhya Pradesh
55. Koonthankulam Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
56. Satkosia Gorge, Odisha
57. Nanda Lake, Goa
58. Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere Reserve, Tamil Nadu
59. Ranganathittu Bird Sanctuary, Karnataka
60. Vembannur Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
61. Vellode Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
62. Sirpur Wetland, Madhya Pradesh
63. Vedanthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
64. Udayamarthandapuram Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
65. Tampara Lake, Odisha
66. Hirakud Reservoir, Odisha
67. Ansupa Lake, Odisha
68. Yashwant Sagar, Madhya Pradesh
69. Chitrangudi Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
70. Suchindram Theroor Wetland Complex, Tamil Nadu
71. Vaduvur Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
72. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
73. Thane Creek, Maharashtra
74. Hygam Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir
75. Shallabugh Wetland Conservation Reserve, Jammu and Kashmir
76. Anekere (Ankasamudra) Bird Conservation Reserve, Karnataka
77. Aghanashini Estuary, Karnataka
78. Magadi Kere Conservation Reserve, Karnataka
79. Karaivetti Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
80. Longwood Shola Reserve Forest, Tamil Nadu
81. Nagi Bird Sanctuary, Bihar
82. Nakti Bird Sanctuary, Bihar
83. Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
84. Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
85. Tawa Reservoir, Madhya Pradesh
86. Sakkarakottai Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
87. Therthangal Bird Sanctuary, Tamil Nadu
88. Khecheopalri Wetland, Sikkim
89. Udhwa Lake, Jharkhand
90. Menar Wetland Complex, Rajasthan (Udaipur)
91. Khichan Wetland, Rajasthan (Jodhpur)
92. Gokul Reservoir, Bihar (Buxar)
93. Udaipur Lake, Bihar (West Champaran)
94. Gogabil Lake, Bihar (Katihar)
95. Kopra Reservoir, Chhattisgarh (Bilaspur)
96. Siliserh Lake, Rajasthan (Alwar)
97. Patna Bird Sanctuary, Uttar Pradesh (Etah)
98. Chhari-Dhand Wetland, Gujarat (Kutch)
99. Shekha Lake, Uttar Pradesh (Aligarh)
100. Jai Prakash Narayan Bird Sanctuary, Suraha Tal (Uttar Pradesh)
101. Glav Lake, Lohit District (Arunachal Pradesh)
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3. Who was awarded the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026?
a. Parag Jain
b. Mahesh Dixit
c. Tapan Deka
d. Ajit Doval
Answer: d. Ajit Doval
– Ajit Doval is the National Security Advisor (NSA).
– Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the Lokmanya Tilak National Award to Ajit Doval in Pune on 1 August 2026.
– The Tilak Smarak Trust honoured him for his long-standing contribution to national security and strategic affairs.
Why was the Award Given?
– Ajit Doval has handled several important responsibilities in sensitive regions such as Mizoram, Sikkim, Punjab, and Jammu & Kashmir.
– He has also served in diplomatic roles at Indian missions in Islamabad and London.
– Doval is India’s longest-serving National Security Advisor (NSA).
– He has also served as India’s Special Representative for the India-China boundary talks.
– He is also credited with playing a significant role in the diplomatic efforts that resolved the Doklam standoff.
When was this Award Started?
– The Lokmanya Tilak National Award was instituted in 1983.
– The award is presented every year on 1 August, the death anniversary of freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, to individuals who have made remarkable contributions to the progress and development of the nation.
– The first recipient of this award was socialist leader S. M. Joshi.
– Over the years, the honour has also been conferred upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi, former Prime Ministers Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Manmohan Singh and Indira Gandhi, former President Pranab Mukherjee, senior leader Sharad Pawar, and many other distinguished personalities.
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4. Which first Indian woman scientist was honoured with the ‘COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal’ 2026?
a. Annapurni Subramaniam
b. Dr. Christine
c. Rajeshwari Chatterjee
d. Dr. Janaki
Answer: a. Annapurni Subramaniam
– Fifty-eight-year-old Annapurni Subramaniam is an Astrophysicist.
– Her research focuses on stellar populations, star clusters, and the evolution of galaxies.
– She is the Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
– She also holds the additional charge of Director of the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS).
When was the Award Presented?
– The Vikram Sarabhai Medal was presented to her on 3 August 2026 during the 46th COSPAR Scientific Assembly held in Florence, Italy.
– With this honour, she became the first Indian woman scientist and the fourth Indian overall to receive the award.
– This international medal is presented to scientists from developing countries for their outstanding contributions to space research.
These Four Indians Have Received the Award
– U. R. Rao – 1996
– Gurbax Singh Lakhina – 2014
– Anil Bhardwaj – 2024
– Annapurni Subramaniam – 2026
COSPAR
– Full Name: Committee on Space Research
– It is an international scientific organization that contributes to the advancement of space research.
COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal
– This award is a prestigious honour jointly presented by COSPAR and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
– It was instituted in 1990 to honour scientists for excellence and international cooperation in space science and space research.
Dr. Vikram Sarabhai
– Dr. Vikram Sarabhai was a great Indian scientist and is regarded as the father of India’s space programme.
– He is credited with establishing ISRO and giving a new direction to the country’s space science programme.
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5. Dr. D. Y. Patil (Dnyandeo Yashwantrao Patil) passed away on 4 August 2026. He had served as the Governor of which states?
a. Tripura
b. Bihar
c. West Bengal
d. All of the above
Answer: d. All of the above (Tripura, Bihar, and West Bengal)
– Ninety-year-old Dr. Patil founded the D. Y. Patil Group, under which more than 182 colleges and schools, 7 deemed universities, and several hospitals are operating across the country today.
– He served as a Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly (MLA) from 1967 to 1978.
– He served as the Governor of Tripura from 2009 to 2013.
– He served as the Governor of Bihar from 2012 to 2014.
– In 2014, he also held the additional charge of Governor of West Bengal for a brief period.
– He was honoured with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1991 for his contributions to education and social service.
– He was the father of Maharashtra Congress MLA Satej (Bunty) Patil.
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6. In which Northeastern state did floods occur in July 2026 due to the overflowing of several rivers, including the Brahmaputra, resulting in more than 80 deaths?
a. Meghalaya
b. Assam
c. Arunachal Pradesh
d. Sikkim
Answer: b. Assam
– According to the official bulletin of the Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), the death toll due to floods has risen to more than 78.
– Around three lakh people have been affected in the state.
– Seven districts, including Sivasagar, Charaideo, Golaghat, Jorhat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, and Kamrup Metropolitan, are still affected by floods.
– A total of 21 revenue circles and 622 villages have been impacted.
– About 21,523.08 hectares of agricultural land have been submerged.
– More than 11,000 livestock have been washed away, while another 17,000 animals have been affected.
– Embankments, roads, houses, schools, and other public infrastructure have also been damaged by the floods in many places.
– Several agencies, including the Army, Air Force, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire and Emergency Services, and civilian volunteers, are continuously engaged in relief and rescue operations.
– The Intra-Circle Roaming (ICR) facility has been extended in the flood-affected Sivasagar district to maintain mobile phone connectivity.
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7. Indian batter Ajinkya Rahane has announced his retirement from international cricket. When did he make his international debut for India?
a. 2013
b. 2012
c. 2011
d. 2010
Answer: c. 2011
– Thirty-eight-year-old Ajinkya Rahane emotionally announced on 30 July 2026 that it was the right time for him to move forward.
– He represented India in 85 Test matches, 90 One Day Internationals (ODIs), and 20 T20 Internationals.
– His last Test match was played against the West Indies at Port of Spain from 20 to 24 July 2023.
– His last ODI was played against South Africa in Centurion on 16 February 2018.
– He last played a T20 International on 28 August 2016.
– Rahane has represented Kolkata Knight Riders, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Chennai Super Kings, and Mumbai Indians in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
– He has scored 2 centuries and 35 half-centuries in the IPL.
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8. Basant Kumar, a veteran of the 1971 India–Pakistan War and the architect of the modern jungle warfare system, passed away on 29 July 2026. Which honours had he received?
a. Padma Shri
b. Ati Vishisht Seva Medal
c. Vishisht Seva Medal
d. Both b and c
Answer: d. Both b and c (Ati Vishisht Seva Medal and Vishisht Seva Medal)
– Seventy-seven-year-old Basant Kumar was a retired Brigadier and is regarded as the architect of the modern jungle warfare system.
– After retirement, he established the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College in Chhattisgarh.
– Both of his sons are currently serving in the Indian Army.
– Born in Indore, Basant Kumar Panwar was commissioned into the 1st Battalion of the Maratha Light Infantry in December 1969.
– During the 1971 war, while serving under the 95 Mountain Brigade, he led attacks on enemy positions at Kamalpur and Bakshiganj.
– In 2004, he also supervised the first India–US joint military exercise, “Yudh Abhyas.”
– For his distinguished services, he was awarded the Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM) and the Vishisht Seva Medal (VSM).
– After retiring from the Army, the Chhattisgarh Government appointed him as Inspector General of Police (IG).
– In August 2005, he established the Counter Terrorism and Jungle Warfare College (CTJWC) at Kanker in North Bastar.
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9. When is World Ranger Day observed?
a. 28 July
b. 29 July
c. 30 July
d. 31 July
Answer: d. 31 July
– This day is observed to remember rangers who lost their lives or were injured in the line of duty and to raise awareness about the efforts of rangers in protecting the world’s natural and cultural heritage.
Who are Rangers?
– The work of a ranger is to conserve nature.
– There is a Ranger post in the Forest Department, whose responsibility is to patrol forests and protect forest resources and wildlife.
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10. When is World Lung Cancer Day observed?
a. 31 July
b. 1 August
c. 2 August
d. 3 August
Answer: b. 1 August
– This day is observed every year to raise awareness about the challenges and dangers associated with lung cancer.
– Tobacco consumption is the primary risk factor and is linked to approximately 85% of lung cancer cases.
How to Prevent Lung Cancer?
– Quit smoking.
– Avoid second-hand smoke.
– Maintain a healthy diet.
– Exercise regularly.
– Avoid exposure to any kind of toxic chemicals.
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11. Former Justice Manmohan Singh Liberhan passed away on 2 August 2026. He was the chairman of which commission?
a. Liberhan Commission
b. Nanavati Commission
c. Kothari Commission
d. Shah Commission
Answer: a. Liberhan Commission (He was appointed to investigate the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992)
– Eighty-seven-year-old M. S. Liberhan had served as the Chief Justice of the Madras High Court and the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
– He began his legal practice in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 1964.
– M. S. Liberhan headed the one-member Liberhan Commission, which was appointed to investigate the demolition of the Babri Masjid in Ayodhya in 1992.
– After 17 years, the commission submitted its report on the demolition of the Babri Masjid by kar sevaks on 6 December 1992.
– Thus, it became one of the longest-running commissions of inquiry in the history of India.
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12. Who became the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of IndiGo Airlines in August 2026?
a. Ajay Singh
b. Willie Walsh
c. Campbell Wilson
d. Pieter Elbers
Answer: b. Willie Walsh
– Willie Walsh assumed charge on 3 August 2026.
– IndiGo had announced his appointment in March 2026.
– He replaced Pieter Elbers, who resigned as CEO on 10 March 2026.
– Willie Walsh served as the Director General of the International Air Transport Association (IATA) until 31 July 2026.
– He began his career in 1979 as a cadet pilot with Aer Lingus.
– He has also served as the CEO of Aer Lingus and British Airways.
IndiGo
– It is India’s largest airline.
– It operates more than 430 aircraft.
– It operates more than 2,200 flights every day to over 95 domestic and 40 international destinations.
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13. Who won the DC Open (Tennis) 2026 Women’s Singles title?
a. Alexandra Eala
b. Jessica Pegula
c. Manny Pacquiao
d. Yan Ang Puso
Answer: a. Alexandra Eala
– Twenty-one-year-old tennis player Alexandra Eala of the Philippines defeated America’s Jessica Pegula 4–6, 6–4, 6–0 in the final held on 3 August 2026.
– This is Alexandra Eala’s first WTA title.
– With this victory, she became the first Filipino woman to win a WTA singles title.
DC Open
– Also known as the Mubadala DC Open.
– It is a prestigious annual professional tennis tournament held in Washington, D.C., United States.
– It is played every year on outdoor hard courts during the months of July and August.
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14. Who won the DC Open (Tennis) 2026 Men’s Singles title?
a. Ben Shelton
b. Tommy Paul
c. Taylor Fritz
d. Rafael Jodar
Answer: c. Taylor Fritz
– American tennis player Taylor Fritz defeated Spain’s Rafael Jodar.
– It was the 11th title of Taylor Fritz’s career.
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15. Name the Cabinet Secretary whose tenure was extended by one year by the Central Government in August 2026?
a. Rajiv Gauba
b. Ajay Kumar Bhalla
c. Govind Mohan
d. T. V. Somanathan
Answer: d. T. V. Somanathan
– T. V. Somanathan was appointed as the Cabinet Secretary on 10 August 2024 for a two-year tenure.
– He will now continue to hold the post for one more year beyond 30 August 2026.
– The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved the extension of his tenure by one year.
– Somanathan is a 1987-batch IAS officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre. He is also a Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, and Company Secretary.
About the Office of the Cabinet Secretary
– The Cabinet Secretary is the highest-ranking position in the civil administration of India. It is the top administrative post in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and the entire Civil Services of the country.
– Reporting: The Cabinet Secretary reports directly to the Prime Minister.
Major Roles and Responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary
– Advisor to the Prime Minister and the Cabinet: The Cabinet Secretary serves as the chief administrative advisor to the Prime Minister and the Union Cabinet.
– Head of the Cabinet Secretariat: The Cabinet Secretary is the administrative head of the Cabinet Secretariat, which provides secretarial assistance to the Cabinet and its various committees.
– Coordination among Ministries: One of the primary responsibilities of the Cabinet Secretary is to ensure policy coordination among various ministries and departments of the Central Government and resolve inter-ministerial differences.
– Ex-officio Chairman of Civil Services Boards: The Cabinet Secretary serves as the Ex-officio Chairman of the Civil Services Board, the Senior Selection Board, and the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC).
– Crisis Management: During any major national disaster or emergency, the Cabinet Secretary leads the high-level relief and coordination committee.
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16. Name the Union Home Secretary whose tenure was extended by one year by the Central Government in August 2026?
a. Govind Mohan
b. Ajay Kumar Bhalla
c. T. V. Somanathan
d. Rajiv Gauba
Answer: a. Govind Mohan
– He was last appointed as the Union Home Secretary on 22 August 2024.
– The Central Government has now extended his tenure by one year.
– He will continue to serve as the Union Home Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs until 22 August 2027 or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
– He is a 1989-batch IAS officer of the Sikkim cadre.
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