CivilsIASPrep.comUPSC Current Affairs for 2026-08-17
Use this daily collection to understand why each development matters, then verify time-sensitive facts through the linked sources before adding them to notes.
- Spanish jet downs drone in Romania after airspace breachInternational Relations and Security · Spanish F-18 under NATO shot down a drone breaching Romanian airspace near Ukraine-Moldova border, highlighting rising airspace violations in Eastern Europe.
- What is the latest Mining Amendment Act about? | ExplainedEconomy · Rajya Sabha passed an amendment to the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, barring States from levying taxes or cess on minerals and mineral-bearing lands.
- Government rolls out foreign asset disclosure scheme for small taxpayersEconomy · CBDT notified FAST-DS scheme effective August 16, 2026, allowing small taxpayers to disclose undisclosed foreign assets/income by paying 60% tax.
- Even as government considers MDR charge on UPI, data shows cash usage quickening in economyEconomy · Government considering MDR charge on UPI while data shows cash usage growth quickening.
- West Asia war highlights: Iran fires back at Trump’s threat to declare Hormuz a U.S. territoryInternational Relations · Iran rejected U.S. President Trump's threat to declare the Strait of Hormuz as U.S. territory amid ongoing West Asia conflict.
- A predictable rise: On inflationEconomy · India's July retail inflation rose to 4.45%, the highest in 19 months, driven by food and transport costs.
- House in disorder: On the monsoon session of ParliamentPolity · The monsoon session of Parliament saw protests over police action on students, hurried passage of Bills, and Opposition stalling of delimitation and FCRA amendments.