WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS

PERSONS IN NEWS

1. Narendra Modi Received Indonesia’s Highest Civilian Honour – August 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in news after receiving the Bintang Adipurna of the Republic of Indonesia, Indonesia’s highest civilian honour. The recognition was given for his contribution towards strengthening India–Indonesia bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in areas such as defence, maritime security, trade, technology, culture and strategic partnership.

During his visit, India and Indonesia highlighted their historical and cultural connections and discussed future cooperation in sectors including digital technology, healthcare, agriculture, space and critical minerals.

Important Facts: Narendra Modi received the Bintang Adipurna honour from Indonesia for strengthening bilateral relations between India and Indonesia.

2. Raghuram Rajan Appointed to US Federal Reserve Review Task Force – August 2026

Former Reserve Bank of India Governor Raghuram Rajan was in news after being appointed to lead the Balance Sheet Policy Task Force under the United States Federal Reserve review framework.

The task forces were created to examine different aspects of monetary policy, including the Federal Reserve’s balance-sheet strategy, economic data systems and the impact of emerging technologies on productivity and employment.

Raghuram Rajan is an internationally recognised economist and has served as the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India from 2013 to 2016.

Important Facts: Raghuram Rajan served as the 23rd Governor of the Reserve Bank of India and was appointed to the US Federal Reserve review task force.

3. Raj Chetty Selected for US Federal Reserve Review Task Force – August 2026

Indian-origin economist Raj Chetty was in news after being selected to lead the Data Task Force formed as part of the US Federal Reserve’s review initiative.

Raj Chetty is a professor of economics at Harvard University and is known for his research in areas such as economic mobility, inequality, education and public policy.

His work focuses on understanding how social and economic factors influence opportunities and outcomes for individuals.

Important Facts: Raj Chetty is a Harvard University economist known for research on economic mobility and inequality.

4. Asha Sharma Selected for US Federal Reserve Review Task Force – August 2026

Indian-origin technology expert Asha Sharma was in news after being appointed to lead the Productivity and Jobs Task Force under the US Federal Reserve review programme.

The task force focuses on understanding the impact of emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, on employment, productivity and future economic growth.

Asha Sharma has experience in technology leadership and innovation-driven sectors.

Important Facts: Asha Sharma was selected to lead the Productivity and Jobs Task Force under the US Federal Reserve review initiative.

5. Leander Paes Appointed Asian Tennis Federation Player Ambassador – August 2026

Former Indian tennis player Leander Paes was appointed as the Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation. In this role, he will support tennis development, promote grassroots participation and encourage young players across Asia.

Leander Paes is one of India’s greatest tennis players. He won several Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles and won a bronze medal in men’s singles at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.

He was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 2024.

Important Facts: Leander Paes won an Olympic bronze medal in 1996 and became Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation.

6. Dilip Asbe Joined SWIFT Supervisory Board – August 2026

Dilip Asbe, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), was in news after being appointed to the Supervisory Board of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT).

The appointment strengthened India's representation in global financial technology and international payment-system governance.

SWIFT provides secure financial messaging services used by banks and financial institutions worldwide.

Important Facts: Dilip Asbe is the MD and CEO of NPCI and joined the SWIFT Supervisory Board.

7. Sunil Bharti Mittal Received USISPF Leadership Award – August 2026

Business leader Sunil Bharti Mittal was in news after receiving the USISPF Leadership Award 2026 for his contribution to business leadership and strengthening India–United States economic relations.

He is the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises, which has interests in telecommunications, digital services and other sectors.

The United States–India Strategic Partnership Forum promotes stronger economic and strategic cooperation between India and the United States.

Important Facts: Sunil Bharti Mittal is the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises and received the USISPF Leadership Award.

8. Nita Ambani Received International Recognition – August 2026

Nita Ambani was in news for receiving recognition for her contributions in healthcare, education, sports, culture and community development through the Reliance Foundation.

She is the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation, which works in areas including rural development, healthcare, education, women empowerment and disaster response.

Her initiatives have contributed to social development and community welfare programmes.

Important Facts: Nita Ambani is the founder and chairperson of Reliance Foundation.

9. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit Assumed Charge as Vice Chief of the Air Staff – August 2026

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit was in news after assuming charge as the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff (VCAS) of the Indian Air Force. The Vice Chief of the Air Staff is one of the highest-ranking officers in the Indian Air Force and assists the Chief of the Air Staff in operational planning, administration, modernisation and strategic decision-making.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit has held several important positions during his career and has contributed to strengthening the operational capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Important Facts: Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit became the 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff of the Indian Air Force.

10. Bijay Kumar Mohanty Appointed Additional CMD of IREDA – August 2026

Bijay Kumar Mohanty was in news after assuming additional charge as the Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA).

IREDA is a government-owned financial institution that provides financial assistance for renewable energy projects including solar power, wind energy, biomass and small hydro projects.

His appointment came at a time when India continued focusing on renewable energy expansion and clean energy transition.

Important Facts: IREDA stands for Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency and functions under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

11. Alok Kumar Mittal Appointed Director General of BPR&D – August 2026

Alok Kumar Mittal was in news after being appointed as the Director General of the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).

BPR&D works towards improving police organisations through research, training, modernisation and development of better policing practices.

The organisation plays an important role in strengthening India's internal security framework.

Important Facts: BPR&D stands for Bureau of Police Research and Development.

12. Amit Garg Appointed Director of NCRB – August 2026

Amit Garg was in news after being appointed as the Director of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

NCRB is responsible for collecting, analysing and maintaining national-level crime data. It also manages important databases related to crime records and law enforcement.

The organisation supports evidence-based policing and policy formulation.

Important Facts: NCRB stands for National Crime Records Bureau and functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.

13. Sujeet Pandey Appointed Director of SVPNPA – August 2026

Sujeet Pandey was in news after being appointed as the Director of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA).

SVPNPA is India's premier training institution for Indian Police Service officers. It provides professional training to IPS probationers and focuses on leadership, investigation skills and modern policing methods.

Important Facts: SVPNPA is located in Hyderabad and trains Indian Police Service officers.

14. Harshvardhan GB Became India’s 97th Chess Grandmaster – August 2026

Chess player Harshvardhan GB was in news after becoming India's 97th Chess Grandmaster.

He achieved the Grandmaster title after fulfilling the required performance and rating criteria set by the International Chess Federation (FIDE). His achievement highlighted India's growing strength in international chess.

Young Indian players have continued to make significant progress in global chess competitions.

Important Facts: Harshvardhan GB became India's 97th Chess Grandmaster. FIDE is the global governing body of chess.

15. Aswath S Became India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster – August 2026

Seventeen-year-old chess player Aswath S from Tamil Nadu was in news after becoming India's 98th Chess Grandmaster.

He achieved his final Grandmaster norm at an international chess tournament, strengthening India's position as one of the leading chess nations in the world.

His achievement reflected the success of young Indian chess talent.

Important Facts: Aswath S became India's 98th Chess Grandmaster and belongs to Tamil Nadu.

16. Raghuram Rajan Continued Global Economic Recognition – August 2026

Former RBI Governor and economist Raghuram Rajan remained in news due to his participation in international economic policy discussions.

He is recognised globally for his research in economics, banking regulation and financial stability. He has also served as Chief Economist of the International Monetary Fund before becoming RBI Governor.

Important Facts: Raghuram Rajan served as RBI Governor from 2013 to 2016.

17. Praveen Shekhar and Barkha Subba Received Whitley Award Recognition – August 2026

Indian conservationists Praveen Shekhar and Barkha Subba were in news after receiving the prestigious Whitley Award, popularly known as the Green Oscar.

The award recognises grassroots conservation efforts related to wildlife protection and biodiversity conservation.

Their work highlighted the importance of community participation in environmental protection.

Important Facts: Whitley Award is also known as the Green Oscar and recognises wildlife conservation efforts.

18. Leander Paes Continued Promoting Tennis Development in Asia – August 2026

Former Indian tennis champion Leander Paes was in news after taking up the role of Player Ambassador of the Asian Tennis Federation.

He continues to contribute towards promoting tennis among young players and supporting the growth of the sport across Asia.

His career includes multiple Grand Slam victories and an Olympic medal.

Important Facts: Leander Paes won a bronze medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics.

19. Mukesh Ambani Joined ITU AI for Good Global Commission – August 2026

Business leader Mukesh Ambani was in news after being included among the founding members of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) AI for Good Global Commission.

The commission brings together leaders from technology, business, research and policy sectors to promote the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence for solving global challenges. The initiative focuses on healthcare, education, climate action, sustainability and inclusive technology development.

Important Facts: ITU stands for International Telecommunication Union, a specialised agency of the United Nations for information and communication technologies.

20. Sunil Bharti Mittal Joined ITU AI for Good Global Commission – August 2026

Telecom industry leader Sunil Bharti Mittal was in news after being selected as a founding member of the ITU AI for Good Global Commission.

His inclusion highlighted the growing role of India's technology and telecom sector in global discussions on Artificial Intelligence, digital transformation and responsible innovation.

Important Facts: Sunil Bharti Mittal is the founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises.

21. Lakshmi Mittal Joined ITU AI for Good Global Commission – August 2026

Industrialist Lakshmi Mittal was in news after becoming a founding member of the ITU AI for Good Global Commission.

His participation represents the contribution of global industries in discussions related to AI adoption, innovation and technology-driven economic development.

Important Facts: Lakshmi Mittal is the Executive Chairman of ArcelorMittal, one of the world's leading steel companies.

22. NITI Aayog Leadership Promoted Ayurveda Globalisation Roadmap – August 2026

NITI Aayog officials and experts were in news after releasing initiatives aimed at promoting Ayurveda as a globally recognised healthcare system.

The roadmap focused on research, scientific validation, standardisation, international cooperation and development of Ayurveda-based products and services.

Important Facts: NITI Aayog is the Government of India's policy think tank established in 2015.

23. Sridhar Vembu Inaugurated AI-Integrated University Campus – August 2026

Sridhar Vembu, co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation, was in news after inaugurating an Artificial Intelligence-integrated vertical university campus in Chennai.

The campus focuses on emerging technologies including Artificial Intelligence, cloud computing and industry-oriented learning.

Important Facts: Sridhar Vembu is the co-founder and Chief Scientist of Zoho Corporation.

24. Arjun Ram Meghwal Launched e-VSP Portal – August 2026

Union Minister of State for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal was in news after launching the electronic Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan (e-VSP) portal.

The platform provides digital access to legal publications, books, journals and educational resources for students, researchers, advocates and legal professionals.

Important Facts: e-VSP stands for electronic Vidhi Sahitya Prakashan and is associated with the Ministry of Law and Justice.

25. Droupadi Murmu Inaugurated Saushrutam 2026 Seminar – August 2026

President Droupadi Murmu was in news after inaugurating Saushrutam 2026, an international seminar on Ayurvedic surgery.

The seminar focused on traditional surgical knowledge, modern research, integration of technology and developments in Ayurvedic healthcare.

During the event, an Artificial Intelligence-enabled medical imaging facility was also inaugurated.

Important Facts: Droupadi Murmu is the President of India. Sushruta is known as the Father of Surgery.

26. Pralhad Joshi Inaugurated White Rabbit Technology Network – August 2026

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi was in news after inaugurating a White Rabbit Technology-based Indian Standard Time Distribution Demonstration Network in Bengaluru.

The project aims to develop an accurate and secure time synchronisation system for applications in banking, telecommunications, defence and digital governance.

Important Facts: White Rabbit Technology provides highly precise time synchronisation capabilities.

27. Rajnath Singh Presented Agriculture Leadership Award – August 2026

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh was in news after presenting the Agriculture Leadership Award 2026 to Gujarat for its performance in horticulture.

The award recognised improvements in agricultural practices, irrigation, productivity and farmer support systems.

Important Facts: Rajnath Singh is the Union Defence Minister of India.

28. Kanishk Jain and Indian Physics Olympiad Team Members in News – August 2026

Students of the Indian team that achieved outstanding performance at the International Physics Olympiad were in news after winning gold medals for India.

The achievement highlighted India's success in science education and international academic competitions.

Important Facts: The International Physics Olympiad tests theoretical and experimental physics skills of pre-university students.

 

QUICK REVISION – PERSONS IN NEWS

Narendra Modi → Received Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, Bintang Adipurna.

Raghuram Rajan → Led Balance Sheet Policy Task Force under US Federal Reserve review.

Raj Chetty → Led Data Task Force under US Federal Reserve review.

Asha Sharma → Led Productivity and Jobs Task Force under US Federal Reserve review.

Leander Paes → Appointed Player Ambassador of Asian Tennis Federation.

Dilip Asbe → MD & CEO of NPCI; joined SWIFT Supervisory Board.

Sunil Bharti Mittal → Received USISPF Leadership Award; founding member of ITU AI for Good Global Commission.

Nita Ambani → Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation; recognised for social contributions.

Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit → Became 51st Vice Chief of the Air Staff.

Bijay Kumar Mohanty → Additional CMD of IREDA.

Alok Kumar Mittal → Director General of BPR&D.

Amit Garg → Director of NCRB.

Sujeet Pandey → Director of SVPNPA.

Harshvardhan GB → India’s 97th Chess Grandmaster.

Aswath S → India’s 98th Chess Grandmaster.

Praveen Shekhar & Barkha Subba → Received Whitley Award (Green Oscar).

Mukesh Ambani → Founding member of ITU AI for Good Global Commission.

Lakshmi Mittal → Founding member of ITU AI for Good Global Commission.

Sridhar Vembu → Zoho co-founder; inaugurated AI-integrated university campus.

Droupadi Murmu → Inaugurated Saushrutam 2026 seminar.

Pralhad Joshi → Inaugurated White Rabbit Technology network.

Rajnath Singh → Presented Agriculture Leadership Award 2026.