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UPSC Current Affairs — 24 August 2026

7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →

Commerce Minister leads 200-member trade delegation to Japan

Economy — International TradeGS3

Why in news: Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led a large business delegation to Japan for trade engagement.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal departed for Japan leading a 200-member business delegation. This move reflects India's strategic engagement in expanding bilateral trade relations with Japan, a key economic partner in Asia.

PM engages with space startup CEOs on sector strategy

Science & Technology — Space SectorGS3

Why in news: The Prime Minister held discussions with CEOs of space startups to dialogue on sectoral development.

The Prime Minister held a substantive discussion with space startup CEOs, signalling government focus on private sector participation in India's space economy. This engagement reflects policy interest in fostering an entrepreneurial ecosystem within the space technology sector.

RBI Deputy Governor projects India's growth may exceed 6.7% forecast

Economy — Monetary Policy & GrowthGS3

Why in news: RBI Deputy Governor stated India's economic growth could reach 7%, surpassing the central bank's earlier 6.7% forecast.

RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta indicated that India's economic growth could exceed the RBI's forecast of 6.7%, potentially reaching 7%, citing stronger-than-expected economic indicators. This revised outlook reflects improved macroeconomic performance and rising confidence in the near-term growth trajectory.

FDI approvals of ₹4,896 crore granted under eased norms for land-border countries

Economy — Foreign InvestmentGS3

Why in news: India approved significant foreign direct investment under relaxed norms for land-border nation investors.

India granted FDI approvals totalling ₹4,895.65 crore as of 20 August under eased norms for land-border countries, with investments spanning information technology, artificial intelligence, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals sectors. These approvals reflect the government's strategic approach to attracting foreign capital while managing security considerations.

INS Sudarshani reaches Lisbon as part of Lokayan 2026 deployment

Defence & Strategic PresenceGS2

Why in news: The Indian Navy vessel INS Sudarshani arrived in Lisbon, Portugal during Lokayan 2026 operations.

INS Sudarshani, an Indian Navy ship, reached Lisbon, Portugal as part of Lokayan 2026 deployment operations. This naval mission demonstrates India's commitment to maintaining strategic maritime presence and engagement in distant waters.

Rajasthan High Court flags delays in Dalit family assault probe

Polity — Judicial OversightGS2

Why in news: The Rajasthan High Court questioned police investigations into an attack on a Dalit family, noting the probe has changed hands six times.

The Rajasthan High Court raised concerns about the investigation into an alleged land encroachment and attack on a Dalit family, directing investigating officers and supervisory committees to file affidavits over repeated delays. This judicial intervention highlights systemic issues in criminal investigation management and the court's proactive role in protecting vulnerable groups.

Supreme Court's 'industry' definition ruling draws editorial scrutiny

Polity — Constitutional LawGS2

Why in news: The Supreme Court issued a ruling redefining 'industry' that has prompted concerns from legal observers.

Editorial analysis suggests the Supreme Court should not have discarded an existing workable test for defining 'industry,' raising constitutional and jurisprudential concerns about the court's approach to established legal standards.

Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint

Q1. Which country did Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal lead a 200-member business delegation to visit?
  1. Japan
  2. South Korea
  3. Germany
  4. Singapore
Show answer
✔ Japan
According to brief 1, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal led a 200-member business delegation to Japan to expand bilateral trade relations.
Q2. What is the RBI Deputy Governor's projection for India's economic growth rate mentioned in recent remarks?
  1. 5.8%
  2. 6.2%
  3. 7%
  4. 8.1%
Show answer
✔ 7%
Brief 3 states that RBI Deputy Governor Poonam Gupta indicated India's economic growth could potentially reach 7%, surpassing the RBI's earlier forecast of 6.7%.
Q3. What is the approximate value of FDI approvals granted under eased norms for land-border countries as of 20 August?
  1. ₹2,450 crore
  2. ₹4,895.65 crore
  3. ₹7,340 crore
  4. ₹9,500 crore
Show answer
✔ ₹4,895.65 crore
Brief 4 specifies that FDI approvals totalling ₹4,895.65 crore were granted as of 20 August for investments in sectors like IT, AI, manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals.
Q4. Which naval vessel reached Lisbon, Portugal as part of Lokayan 2026 operations?
  1. INS Vikramaditya
  2. INS Sudarshani
  3. INS Virat
  4. INS Khanderi
Show answer
✔ INS Sudarshani
Brief 5 states that INS Sudarshani, an Indian Navy ship, reached Lisbon, Portugal during the Lokayan 2026 deployment.
Q5. How many times has the investigation probe into the Dalit family assault in Rajasthan changed hands, according to the High Court?
  1. Two times
  2. Four times
  3. Six times
  4. Eight times
Show answer
✔ Six times
Brief 6 notes that the Rajasthan High Court raised concerns about the probe into an alleged attack on a Dalit family, mentioning that the investigation had changed hands six times.
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