Current Affairs 20 August 2026

West Bengal Launches 1st Kaushal Mahotsav in Balurghat.

• West Bengal’s first-ever Kaushal Mahotsav was held in Balurghat, Dakshin Dinajpur, on August 19, 2026.
• Organized by MSDE in collaboration with NSDC and the Government of West Bengal.
• Over 7,500 interviews were conducted and 4,500+ candidates were shortlisted.
• More than 7,000 job opportunities were offered to youth.
• Over 50 employers participated from sectors including manufacturing, retail, logistics, healthcare, hospitality and banking.
• Major recruiters included Royal Enfield, Wipro, Axis Bank, Tata Projects and TVS Supply Chain.
• The event aimed to boost employment opportunities and skill-based careers for local youth.

Government Initiates Overhaul of National Testing Agency.

• The Ministry of Education began a major restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA) on August 19, 2026.
• 600 experts associated with exam preparation were removed, with 20–25 new officials to be inducted.
• This follows the earlier removal of 47 NTA officials in July 2026.
• CISF teams will provide security at NTA offices, and the headquarters will be shifted to new premises.
• A four-tier checking system will be introduced to prevent errors in question papers.
• The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 will enable fast-track courts and time-bound trials for paper-leak cases.

QpiAI Launches Quantum Processor Manufacturing Facility in Bengaluru.

• QpiAI inaugurated an 8-inch quantum foundry in Bengaluru on August 19, 2026.
• The facility is part of a new 70,000 sq ft R&D centre.
• It is designed for semiconductor-scale manufacturing of quantum processors.
• The facility can manufacture processors with up to 10,000 physical qubits, up from the existing 128-qubit capability.
• It aims to enable large-scale production of quantum processors for high-performance computing.
• The facility will also support the development of quantum-AI solutions.

NHAI Extends FASTag Local Pass Service Across 121 Toll Plazas.

• NHAI expanded the online FASTag Local Pass facility to 121 toll plazas across India on August 19, 2026.
• Eligible residents living within 20 km of a toll plaza can apply for a monthly pass.
• The pass allows unlimited travel through the designated toll plaza during the month.
• Applications can be made through the Rajmargyatra Mobile App, without physical visits.
• Eligibility is verified using DigiLocker, VAHAN and GIS-based technology.
• The facility was first launched in July 2026 at Mundka–Bakkarwala Toll Plaza, Delhi.

Indian UN Peacekeepers Receive Prestigious UN Medals in South Sudan.

• 210 Indian peacekeepers were awarded the UN Medal for exceptional service in South Sudan.
• The personnel served under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
• The award ceremony was held in Juba, South Sudan.
• The awardees included 6 women and 7 staff officers.
• Indian Blue Helmets were recognised for protecting civilians and responding to medical emergencies.
• They also performed 24-hour guard duties and night patrols in conflict-affected areas.