In Current Affairs for 05 August 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 05 August 2026
International Traffic Light Day 2026
International Traffic Light Day is observed every year on 5 August to commemorate the installation of the world’s first electric traffic signal system in Cleveland, Ohio (USA) on 5 August 1914. The day highlights the importance of traffic management, road safety, and responsible driving practices that help reduce accidents and ensure the smooth movement of vehicles and pedestrians.
Background
The concept of traffic control dates back to 1868, when a manually operated traffic signal was introduced in London. Unlike modern systems, it required a person to operate the signal arms. The first electric traffic signal, installed in Cleveland in 1914, revolutionised road traffic management and laid the foundation for modern traffic control systems.
Key Highlights
- Observed annually on 5 August.
- Marks the installation of the first electric traffic signal in 1914.
- Location: Cleveland, Ohio, USA.
- Promotes road safety and traffic discipline.
- Encourages adherence to traffic rules and signals.
Significance
The observance reminds citizens that following traffic signals and road regulations plays a crucial role in preventing accidents and saving lives.
Annapurni Subramaniam Receives COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026
Renowned Indian astrophysicist Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam has been honoured with the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal 2026, becoming the first Indian woman and the fourth Indian scientist to receive this prestigious international recognition. The award acknowledges her outstanding contributions to space science and astrophysics.
Background
The COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal is jointly conferred by the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to recognise scientists from developing countries for their remarkable contributions to space research.
Key Highlights
- First Indian woman to receive the medal.
- Fourth Indian overall to win the honour.
- Third woman scientist globally to receive the award.
- Director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), Bengaluru.
- Also serves as Director of the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS).
- Her research focuses on stellar populations, star clusters, and galaxy evolution.
Significance
The award highlights India’s growing contribution to global space research and serves as an inspiration for young scientists, especially women pursuing careers in astrophysics.
India to Host 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting
Under its BRICS Chairship 2026, India will host the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting and the 3rd BRICS Senior Officials’ Meeting in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from 5–7 August 2026. The meetings aim to strengthen educational cooperation among BRICS nations through collaborative initiatives in education, research, and skill development.
Key Highlights
- Venue: Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
- Dates: 5–7 August 2026.
- Organised by the Ministry of Education.
- India’s BRICS Chairship theme: “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
- Focus areas include:
- Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE)
- Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET)
- Research, innovation, and start-ups
- Mutual Recognition of Qualifications (MRQ)
- Academic leadership capacity building
Significance
The meeting will deepen educational partnerships among BRICS countries, encourage knowledge sharing, and strengthen collaboration in research, innovation, and workforce development.
C-DAC and GSI Sign Umbrella MoU for Advanced Geoscience Technologies
The Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) have signed an Umbrella Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote the use of advanced digital technologies in geoscience, mineral exploration, and disaster management. The partnership combines high-performance computing with geological expertise to improve scientific research and resource exploration.
Key Highlights
- MoU signed between C-DAC and GSI.
- Utilises Artificial Intelligence (AI) and High-Performance Computing (HPC).
- Supports high-resolution 3D subsurface mapping.
- Facilitates predictive mineral exploration.
- Develops geological Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Supports landslide monitoring using Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
- Promotes studies on Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs).
- Aims to identify critical minerals and Rare Earth Elements (REEs).
Significance
The collaboration will strengthen India’s capabilities in disaster risk reduction, mineral exploration, and technological self-reliance while supporting the country’s strategic resource security.
Himalayan Serow Sighted in Himachal Pradesh After Two Decades
The Himalayan Serow (Capricornis thar) has been recorded in the Dalhousie catchment forests of Himachal Pradesh after nearly 20 years. The sighting occurred near the Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary, highlighting the ecological importance of the Western Himalayas and the success of wildlife conservation efforts in the region.
Background
The Himalayan Serow is a medium-sized goat-antelope found across the Himalayan region and parts of South and Southeast Asia. It is adapted to steep, forested mountain habitats.
Key Highlights
- Scientific name: Capricornis thar.
- Sighted in Dalhousie catchment forests, Himachal Pradesh.
- Located near Kalatop-Khajjiar Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Classified as Near Threatened by the IUCN.
- Protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
- Faces threats from habitat loss, fragmentation, and hunting.
Significance
The sighting reflects the ecological richness of the Himalayan ecosystem and reinforces the need for continued habitat conservation and wildlife protection.
Operation Trishul Brings Back 274 Fugitives Since 2019
Operation Trishul is India’s coordinated fugitive-tracking and extradition initiative that has successfully facilitated the return of 274 fugitives from 36 countries since 2019. The operation targets individuals involved in terrorism, organised crime, financial fraud, murder, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking, and other serious offences.
Background
The operation relies on close coordination among the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW), state police forces, and Interpol. Advanced technologies, including satellite imagery, surveillance systems, and digital intelligence, are used to locate fugitives hiding abroad.
Key Highlights
- 274 fugitives returned since 2019.
- Individuals brought back from 36 countries.
- 70 fugitives returned during 2025.
- 45 fugitives returned by July 2026.
- CBI has established a Special Global Operations Centre.
- Uses extradition treaties and international police cooperation.
Significance
Operation Trishul strengthens India’s efforts to combat transnational crime, improve international law enforcement cooperation, and ensure that offenders are brought to justice regardless of where they attempt to evade the law.
Review Questions
- International Traffic Light Day is observed every year on:
A) 1 August
B) 3 August
C) 5 August
D) 10 August
Answer: C) 5 August
Explanation: International Traffic Light Day is observed on 5 August to
commemorate the installation of the world’s first electric traffic signal in Cleveland,
Ohio, in 1914. - Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam became the __ Indian scientist to receive the
COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal.
A) Second
B) Third
C) Fourth
D) Fifth
Answer: C) Fourth
Explanation: Dr. Annapurni Subramaniam is the fourth Indian scientist and the first
Indian woman to receive the COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal. - The 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting is being hosted in:
A) New Delhi
B) Hyderabad
C) Bengaluru
D) Bhubaneswar
Answer: D) Bhubaneswar
Explanation: India is hosting the 13th BRICS Education Ministers’ Meeting in
Bhubaneswar, Odisha, from 5–7 August 2026. - India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 is guided by which theme?
A) One Earth, One Family, One Future
B) Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam
C) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
D) Reform, Perform and Transform
Answer: C) Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability
Explanation: India’s BRICS Chairship 2026 follows the theme “Building for Resilience,
Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.” - The Umbrella MoU to strengthen geoscience, mineral exploration, and disaster
management was signed between C-DAC and:
A) ISRO
B) ONGC
C) Geological Survey of India (GSI)
D) National Remote Sensing Centre
Answer: C) Geological Survey of India (GSI)
Explanation: C-DAC and the Geological Survey of India (GSI) signed the MoU to use AI
and High-Performance Computing in geoscience applications. - The Himalayan Serow is currently classified under which category of the IUCN Red
List?
A) Vulnerable
B) Endangered
C) Critically Endangered
D) Near Threatened
Answer: D) Near Threatened
Explanation: The Himalayan Serow is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List. - Under which Schedule of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, is the Himalayan
Serow protected?
A) Schedule II
B) Schedule III
C) Schedule IV
D) Schedule I
Answer: D) Schedule I
Explanation: The Himalayan Serow receives the highest legal protection under
Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. - Since 2019, Operation Trishul has facilitated the return of how many fugitives to
India?
A) 170
B) 225
C) 274
D) 320
Answer: C) 274
Explanation: Operation Trishul has brought back 274 fugitives from 36 countries
since 2019. - Which organisation established the Special Global Operations Centre for
international coordination on fugitives?
A) Intelligence Bureau (IB)
B) Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW)
C) Interpol
D) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Answer: D) Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
Explanation: The CBI established the Special Global Operations Centre to strengthen
international coordination in fugitive-tracking operations. - Which of the following technologies will be used under the C-DAC–GSI
collaboration for geological data processing? 1. Artificial Intelligence (AI), 2. High-Performance Computing (HPC), 3. Large Language Models (LLMs)
Select the correct answer:
A) 1 only
B) 1 and 2 only
C) 2 and 3 only
D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: The C-DAC–GSI collaboration will use Artificial Intelligence (AI), High
Performance Computing (HPC), and Large Language Models (LLMs) for geoscience
research, mineral exploration, and disaster management.
