18 August 2026 — Current Affairs Quiz

Explanation

The Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment organised the National Mass Pledge Against Drug Abuse on 18 August 2026, marking the 6th anniversary of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). NMBA was launched on 15 August 2020 and runs under the National Action Plan for Drug Demand Reduction (NAPDDR). Initially covering 272 vulnerable districts, it is now nationwide and has reached over 29.26 crore people. The de-addiction helpline is 14446. The Union Minister is Dr Virendra Kumar.

Explanation

Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA) was launched on 15 August 2020 by the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment in 272 most vulnerable districts, selected using Narcotics Control Bureau inputs and the National Survey on Substance Use. It was widened to 372 districts in August 2022 and to all districts from 15 August 2023. NMBA operates under NAPDDR. On 26 June 2020 only its Annual Action Plan was e-launched, not the Abhiyaan itself.

Explanation

West Bengal became the 36th State/UT to implement Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY on 8 June 2026, when the National Health Authority signed an MoU with the State Health Department, completing nationwide coverage. The operational rollout in the State followed on 16 August 2026. About 1.43 crore families will get 5 lakh rupees annual cover. PM-JAY was launched in September 2018 and is run by NHA under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Explanation

Chennai-based fabless semiconductor startup Aheesa Digital Innovations achieved first-pass silicon success on 15 August 2026 with VIHAAN, an indigenous broadband networking System-on-Chip. Its design tape-out took place on 26 January 2026. The chip uses C-DAC's indigenous VEGA processor and targets fibre broadband. Production tape-out is targeted for 2027. The DLI Scheme runs under MeitY's Semicon India Programme, with C-DAC as nodal agency.

Explanation

The 9th India-US Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting was held on 5-6 August 2026 at ISRO Headquarters, Bengaluru, where NASA invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme under the Artemis Accords. ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan and US Ambassador Sergio Gor addressed the opening segment; M. Sankaran co-chaired for India. The meeting ran under the TRUST Initiative and reviewed further cooperation after the NISAR mission.

Explanation

Article 44 falls under the Directive Principles of State Policy in Part IV and directs the State to endeavour to secure a uniform civil code for all citizens. The Rajasthan Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, approved the draft UCC Bill in August 2026. Parliamentary Affairs and Law Minister Jogaram Patel said it will bring common rules on marriage, divorce, inheritance, maintenance and live-in relationships, and will not apply to Scheduled Tribes.

Explanation

The Rajasthan government set up a five-member committee headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai to draft the RUCC 2026. It was announced on 22 June 2026 by Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for Home Jawahar Singh Bedham. The Additional Chief Secretary (Home) is Member-Secretary. Desai also chaired the Uttarakhand and Gujarat UCC panels and was the first woman chairperson of the Press Council of India.