Daily Current Affairs 09-August-2026 – Latest MCQs, News Analysis for UPSC, SSC & Banking Exams
1. Consider the following regarding the newly approved National Quantum Mission expansion by the Union Cabinet on 08-August-2026: what is the primary structural addition aimed at boosting deep-tech research?
A) Establishment of two new national supercomputing grids
B) Creation of three dedicated thematic hubs focusing on quantum sensing, communication, and materials
C) Merger of existing defense labs into a single autonomous quantum authority
D) Integration of quantum cryptography exclusively into banking networks
Correct answer: B) Creation of three dedicated thematic hubs focusing on quantum sensing, communication, and materials
Notes: As per a PIB release dated 08-August-2026, the Union Cabinet approved the structural expansion of the National Quantum Mission by establishing three new thematic hubs across premier scientific institutes. This initiative bridges fundamental laboratory research and industrial application, aiming to secure sovereign capabilities in cryptography and secure communications. For UPSC aspirants, understanding technology missions helps evaluate India’s deep-tech preparedness and strategic autonomy in critical emerging domains.
2. Which Indian Naval ship successfully docked at Port Victoria on 08-August-2026 as part of an ongoing collaborative maritime surveillance mission in the Western Indian Ocean?
A) INS Sunayna
B) INS Shardul
C) INS Tarkash
D) INS Kiltan
Correct answer: A) INS Sunayna
Notes: The Ministry of Defence announced in a press statement dated 08-August-2026 that INS Sunayna arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles, to undertake joint Exclusive Economic Zone surveillance. This deployment underscores India’s strategic vision of Security and Growth for All in the Region, reinforcing interoperability with partner nations. Questions on naval deployments regularly appear in civil services tests under bilateral security cooperation.
3. The Reserve Bank of India announced a revised liquidity management framework in its monetary policy statement on 08-August-2026. What primary operational change was introduced?
A) Abolition of the Marginal Standing Facility window
B) Introduction of a standing deposit facility rate linked directly to the SDF
C) Introduction of variable rate repo auctions with mixed tenor maturities to fine-tune system liquidity
D) Elimination of statutory liquidity ratio requirements for scheduled commercial banks
Correct answer: C) Introduction of variable rate repo auctions with mixed tenor maturities to fine-tune system liquidity
Notes: According to the RBI press statement dated 08-August-2026, the central bank has adjusted its liquidity toolkit by prioritizing variable rate repo operations across varied tenors to manage transient deficit pressures. This mechanism allows better transmission of monetary policy signals through the banking system. Banking aspirants must track structural monetary policy announcements for regulatory updates.
4. Which endangered wetland ecosystem was officially designated as India’s latest Ramsar site by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 08-August-2026?
A) Lonar Crater Lake
B) Ansupa Lake
C) Nagi Bird Sanctuary
D) Pallikaranai Marshland extension
Correct answer: B) Ansupa Lake
Notes: As highlighted in an official notification by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change on 08-August-2026, Odisha’s Ansupa Lake has been added to the Ramsar list of Wetlands of International Importance. This recognition brings targeted conservation funding and strict ecological guidelines to protect migratory bird habitats. Environment questions in competitive exams frequently focus on newly added biodiversity hotspots.
5. Which institution successfully flight-tested a newly developed indigenous hypersonic technology demonstrator vehicle from the Wheeler Island facility on 08-August-2026?
A) Indian Space Research Organisation
B) Defence Research and Development Organisation
C) Council of Scientific and Industrial Research
D) Hindustan Aeronautics Limited
Correct answer: B) Defence Research and Development Organisation
Notes: The Defence Research and Development Organisation successfully tested the hypersonic cruise missile technology demonstrator from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, as confirmed in a PIB release dated 08-August-2026. The test validated scramjet engine propulsion at speeds exceeding Mach 6, placing India among an elite group of nations with advanced aerodynamic capabilities. Science and technology sections test these milestones for strategic deterrence.
Frequently Asked Questions – Daily Current Affairs
Q1. What is the main objective of the National Quantum Mission expansion approved by the Union Cabinet on 08-August-2026?
The Union Cabinet approved three dedicated thematic hubs focusing on quantum sensing, communication, and advanced materials to accelerate sovereign technology development and build robust cybersecurity defenses.
Q2. Which naval vessel undertook the maritime surveillance mission to Port Victoria, Seychelles, in August 2026?
INS Sunayna arrived at Port Victoria on 08-August-2026 to execute joint Exclusive Economic Zone patrols and strengthen bilateral maritime security cooperation with regional partners.
Q3. Which freshwater body in Odisha was declared a Ramsar wetland site by the Environment Ministry on 08-August-2026?
Ansupa Lake received official Ramsar recognition, granting it international wetland status to enhance ecological conservation and protect vital migratory bird habitats in the region.
