Daily Current Affairs: 2 August, 2026
Q1. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Greenfield Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport. In which district of Andhra Pradesh is this newly developed infrastructure asset located?
(a) Visakhapatnam
(b) Vizianagaram
(c) Srikakulam
(d) East Godavari
(e) Tirupati
Answer: b
Solution:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Greenfield Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram in Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh, on 1 August 2026.
- The airport has been developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
- The project has been built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore.
- The airport has the capacity to handle 6 million passengers annually.
- It is equipped with AI-based systems, biometric passenger processing, and automated baggage handling systems to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.
- During the inauguration, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu highlighted the key features of the airport before the Prime Minister.
- The Greenfield airport is expected to strengthen air connectivity, support regional economic development, and boost tourism and trade in Andhra Pradesh.
Q2. In a historic sports achievement, Indian judoka Asmita Dey clinched the nation’s first-ever Commonwealth Games Judo gold medal at Glasgow. Which opponent did she defeat in the final of the women’s 48kg category?
(a) Heidi Quach (Canada)
(b) Joshua Katz (Australia)
(c) Sarah Adlington (Scotland)
(d) Christa Deguchi (Canada)
(e) Shushila Devi (India)
Answer: a
Solution:
- Indian judokas Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh created history by winning gold medals at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
- Asmita Dey became the first Indian judoka to win a Commonwealth Games gold medal, claiming the title in the women’s 48 kg event.
- In the final, she defeated Heidi Quach of Canada by 2–1.
- After the match was tied 1–1 at the end of regulation time, Asmita secured a decisive Yuko with a leg tangle during the golden score period to seal the victory.
- In the men’s 60 kg event, Harsh Singh won the gold medal after defeating Joshua Katz of Australia in the final.
- Harsh secured victory with a Waza-ari produced by a brilliant half-arm throw in the final minute of the contest.
- Harsh Singh’s triumph gave India its second consecutive judo gold medal at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games.
Q3. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently approved the ‘Samudra Manthan’ – National Offshore Exploration Scheme to unlock India’s offshore energy potential. Under which ministry will this Central Sector Scheme be implemented, and what is its designated timeline?
(a) Ministry of Earth Sciences; up to FY 2028–29
(b) Ministry of Mines; up to FY 2029–30
(c) Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas; up to FY 2030–31
(d) Ministry of New and Renewable Energy; up to FY 2031–32
(e) Ministry of Heavy Industries; up to FY 2027–28
Answer: c
Solution:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved ‘Samudra Manthan’ – the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, a Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
- The Scheme has an approved outlay of ₹84,084 crore and will be implemented up to FY 2030–31.
- Samudra Manthan translates the Prime Minister’s vision, articulated from the Red Fort on Independence Day 2025, of a modern-day “Samudra Manthan” to unlock India’s vast offshore energy potential.
- The Scheme aims to strengthen India’s energy security, accelerate domestic exploration and production (E&P), promote technological leadership, and support the vision of Viksit Bharat.
Major Components of the Scheme
- The Scheme provides for large-scale acquisition, processing and interpretation of high-quality seismic data to improve offshore exploration.
- It envisages accelerated deepwater and ultra-deepwater exploratory drilling.
- It includes scientific drilling in frontier basins to assess untapped hydrocarbon potential.
- The Scheme provides for the development of common offshore production and evacuation infrastructure.
- It also includes the establishment of an Integrated Oil & Gas Manufacturing and Services Zone.
- Additional components include digital programme management, capacity building, technology adoption, stakeholder engagement and international outreach, creating an integrated ecosystem for offshore exploration and production.
Q4. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme alongside the enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) scheme. What is the total combined outlay allocated and the designated period for implementation?
(a) ₹18,500 crore for the period 2025–26 to 2029–30
(b) ₹36,441 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31
(c) ₹45,000 crore for the period 2026–27 to 2031–32
(d) ₹24,800 crore for the period 2025–26 to 2030–31
(e) ₹52,100 crore for the period 2027–28 to 2032–33
Answer: b
Solution:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the expanded Khelo India Scheme and an enhanced Assistance to National Sports Federations (ANSFs) Scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.
- The two schemes have a combined outlay of ₹36,441 crore, making it the largest sports development programme since Independence.
- The revamped scheme aims to create a seamless pathway from grassroots sports to the Olympic podium, ensuring that no sporting talent is left undiscovered due to geography, economic background or lack of opportunity.
- The scheme is aligned with Khelo Bharat Niti 2025 and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, integrating sports with education, fitness, technology and high-performance training.
- It also supports India’s preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games and the country’s bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Athlete Development Ecosystem
- For the first time, the scheme establishes a comprehensive athlete development pathway covering talent identification, scientific training, international exposure and Olympic preparation.
- The nationwide sports ecosystem comprises National Centres of Excellence (NCOEs), Khelo India Centres of Excellence (KICoEs), SAI Training Centres (STCs), Khelo India Accredited Academies (KIAAs), Khelo India Centres (KICs) and Youth Sports Companies (YSCs) of the Armed Forces.
- These institutions will provide world-class coaching, sports science support and modern sports infrastructure.
New School-Level Initiatives
- Two new initiatives have been introduced to strengthen school sports:
- Khelo India Feeder Schools (KIFS)
- Khelo India Utkrishta Vidyalayas (KIUV)
- These initiatives aim to integrate sports with mainstream education and facilitate early identification and nurturing of sporting talent.
Expansion of Athlete Base
- The scheme introduces the Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs) category alongside the existing Khelo India Athletes programme.
- This reform is expected to expand the structured athlete development ecosystem nearly ten-fold.
- A strengthened talent identification framework involving Talent Identification Development Committees, Zonal Committees, Talent Scouts, High Performance Directors and High Performance Managers will support continuous identification and development of athletes.
- The scheme provides a clear progression pathway from grassroots competitions → Khelo India → Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS).
Q5. The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31. What is the total financial outlay approved for this extended period?
(a) ₹2.50 lakh crore
(b) ₹4.47 lakh crore
(c) ₹1.71 lakh crore
(d) ₹5.00 lakh crore
(e) ₹3.15 lakh crore
Answer: e
Solution:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for the period 2026–27 to 2030–31.
- A total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore has been approved for the Scheme during this period.
- The approval reaffirms the Government’s commitment to strengthening farmers’ livelihoods by providing timely and transparent income support through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mechanism.
About PM-KISAN Scheme
- PM-KISAN was launched in February 2019.
- Under the Scheme, eligible landholding farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year.
- The financial assistance is transferred directly into beneficiaries’ bank accounts in three equal instalments.
- The Scheme operates through Aadhaar authentication, digital verification and the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency, efficiency and accountability.
Major Achievements
- More than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred directly into farmers’ bank accounts through 23 instalments under the Scheme.
- Under the 23rd instalment, more than 9.49 crore farmers received benefits.
- An amount of over ₹18,984 crore was released under the 23rd instalment.
- During the COVID-19 pandemic, more than ₹1.71 lakh crore was disbursed to provide financial assistance to farmers.
- Women farmers have received more than ₹1.06 lakh crore under PM-KISAN.
- Nearly one out of every four beneficiaries under the Scheme is a woman farmer.
Q6. The Union Cabinet approved the ‘Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY)’ for developing Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) projects with integrated Energy Storage Systems (ESS). What is the total approved financial outlay and target solar power generation capacity for this scheme?
(a) ₹3,500 crore; 3,000 MW
(b) ₹5,070 crore; 5,000 MW
(c) ₹6,200 crore; 7,500 MW
(d) ₹8,000 crore; 10,000 MW
(e) ₹4,500 crore; 4,000 MW
Answer: b
Solution:
- The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) for the development of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) Projects integrated with Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
- The scheme has a total outlay of ₹5,070 crore.
- PM-SSY envisages the development of 5,000 MW of Floating Solar Photovoltaic (FSPV) capacity.
- The projects will include co-located Energy Storage Systems (ESS) with a minimum storage capacity of two hours, equivalent to 10,000 MWh.
- Projects will be sanctioned during FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31, while financial assistance will continue to be disbursed up to FY 2032–33.
Major Features
- The approval follows an assessment by the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE), which estimated India’s floating solar potential at approximately 102.18 GWp across reservoirs and other suitable inland water bodies.
- Under the scheme, Central Financial Assistance (CFA) of ₹1 crore per MW will be provided for eligible Floating Solar PV projects after successful commissioning.
- An additional CFA of up to ₹50 lakh per project will be provided for feasibility studies, including:
- Bathymetry and hydrography assessments
- Environmental studies
- Other preparatory activities required for project development
Expected Benefits
- The scheme will benefit all States and Union Territories.
- It aims to increase India’s floating solar capacity from the current around 700 MW to 5,700 MW.
- The projects will enable productive use of existing reservoirs and industrial ponds, reducing pressure on scarce land resources.
- Integration of Energy Storage Systems (ESS) will improve grid reliability and stability.
- The scheme is expected to reduce around 10 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions annually.
- It is estimated to generate approximately 16,000–17,000 full-time equivalent employment opportunities across the project value chain.
Q7. In a major boost to India’s agricultural export ecosystem, APEDA recently facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mango varieties to the Maldives. From which Indian state were these late-season mangoes sourced and flagged off?
(a) Maharashtra
(b) Uttar Pradesh
(c) Andhra Pradesh
(d) Karnataka
(e) Gujarat
Answer: d
Solution:
- The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first-ever air shipment of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes from Karnataka to the Maldives.
- The consignment was flagged off on 30 July 2026.
- The export marks a significant milestone in promoting Karnataka’s late-season mango varieties in international markets.
- It also strengthens India’s mango export basket by expanding the global reach of premium Indian mango varieties.
- The initiative is expected to enhance export opportunities for mango growers and boost the international presence of Neelam and Totapuri mangoes.
Q8. The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as the new Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), effective from the afternoon of August 31, 2026. Whom will he succeed upon their retirement?
(a) Surgeon Vice Admiral Punita Arora
(b) Air Marshal Rajvir Singh
(c) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
(d) Lieutenant General Arindam Chatterjee
(e) Vice Admiral Sheila S. Mathai
Answer: c
Solution:
- The Government of India has appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
- He is currently serving as the Director General Medical Services (Air).
- Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja will assume charge as DGAFMS with effect from the afternoon of 31 August 2026.
- He will succeed Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, who is retiring from the post.
- As Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), Air Marshal Thareja will head the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS), which provides integrated medical services to the Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force.
Q9.Who made history by becoming the first woman to be appointed as the Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) in its 176-year existence?
(a) Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
(b) Smt. Varsha Ashok Aglawe
(c) Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman
(d) Ms. Arundhati Bhattacharya
(e) Dr. Tessy Thomas
Answer: b
Solution:
- Smt. Varsha Ashok Aglawe has assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
- With this appointment, she has become the first woman to head the Geological Survey of India in its 176-year history.
- She succeeds Shri Asit Saha, who served as the Director General of GSI from 27 July 2024 to 31 July 2026.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is India’s premier geoscientific organisation, responsible for geological mapping, mineral resource assessment, geoscientific studies and providing scientific inputs for sustainable development.
Q10. In a major strategic initiative for India’s maritime sector, the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, launched the nation’s first sovereign-backed Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance product. Which insurance company designed this landmark product?
(a) General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re)
(b) Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)
(c) The New India Assurance Company Limited
(d) Oriental Insurance Company Limited
(e) Agriculture Insurance Company of India (AIC)
Answer: c
Solution:
- The Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, has launched India’s first sovereign-backed Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance product under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP).
- The Protection & Indemnity (P&I) insurance product has been designed by The New India Assurance Company Limited (NIACL).
- The launch marks a significant milestone in strengthening India’s maritime insurance ecosystem and enhancing the country’s self-reliance in marine risk coverage.
- The sovereign-backed P&I insurance product aims to provide comprehensive liability insurance for the maritime sector, reducing dependence on foreign insurance providers.
- The initiative supports the Government’s vision of strengthening India’s maritime sector and promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat in marine insurance.