Current affairs · 3 August 2026
The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 12 updates.
Varsha Ashok Aglawe Becomes First Woman Director General of Geological Survey of India
Varsha Ashok Aglawe took over as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI) on August 1, 2026, becoming the first woman to head India's premier geoscientific organization. GSI is the apex body under the Ministry of Mines responsible for geological mapping, mineral exploration, and seismic studies.
Why it matters: First woman appointments in key government bodies are high-frequency static GK and current-affairs questions in all exams.
India Issues NOTAM for Long-Range Missile Test (August 6-7, 2026)
India has issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) covering a 2,530-kilometre corridor over the Indian Ocean for a long-range missile test scheduled between August 6 and 7, 2026. The exclusion zone indicates a trial of either an advanced Agni ballistic missile or the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM).
Why it matters: Indigenous missile tests—especially Agni and K-series SLBMs—are critical for defence current affairs in UPSC and SSC CGL.
RBI MPC Meeting Begins: Monetary Policy Decision Awaited (August 3-5, 2026)
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee meeting is scheduled from August 3 to 5, 2026. The repo rate currently stands at 5.25% (held steady in February and April 2026). The RBI has revised India's GDP growth forecast for FY 2025-26 to 7.6% while inflation projections remain below the 4% target.
Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions—repo rate, GDP and inflation projections—are frequently asked in Banking and SSC exams.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Reiterates India's Right to Defend Against Cross-Border Terrorism
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar stated that India will exercise its right to defend itself from terrorism and no one can dictate how India exercises its defence. Speaking at the inauguration of Shaastra 2026, IIT Madras Techno-Entertainment fest in Chennai, he stressed that persistent cross-border terrorism undermines goodwill and cooperation cannot coexist with violence.
Why it matters: India's neighbourhood policy, cross-border terrorism, and defence diplomacy statements by the EAM are critical for UPSC Mains and Prelims IR questions.
Gujarat Launches Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026
Gujarat Chief Minister launched the state's Shipbuilding and Repair Policy 2026, which envisages setting up two Integrated Mega Shipbuilding Parks. The policy aims to increase Gujarat's shipbuilding capacity to more than 50 lakh DWT (Deadweight Tonnage), positioning the state as a major maritime manufacturing hub.
Why it matters: State-level industrial policies, especially in strategic sectors like shipbuilding, are relevant for UPSC Prelims (economy and geography) and State PSC exams.
8th Pay Commission: Data Collection Deadline Extended to July 31, 2026
The 8th Pay Commission, constituted in November 2025, has extended the deadline for Ministries, Departments, and UTs to submit employee and workforce data through its online portal till July 31, 2026. The Commission is collecting data on contractual and outsourced manpower to support its salary revision exercise. The new pay structure is expected to be effective from January 1, 2026, with actual implementation likely in 2027.
Why it matters: The 8th CPC affects all central government employees; its timeline, fitment factor proposals, and implementation dates are critical static and current-affairs topics.
DA Hiked to 60% for Central Government Employees & Pensioners (Effective January 1, 2026)
The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR), raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension effective from January 1, 2026. The hike benefits over 50 lakh central government employees and nearly 68 lakh pensioners, with an estimated annual impact of ₹6,791 crore on the exchequer.
Why it matters: DA revisions directly affect crores of aspirants' future salaries and are a staple question in SSC, Railways and Banking exams.
PNB Local Bank Officer (LBO) Recruitment 2026: 545 Vacancies (₹36,000-55,000 Pay Scale)
Punjab National Bank has released the recruitment notification for 545 Local Bank Officer (LBO) posts in JMGS-I scale. Candidates can apply online from July 20 to August 9, 2026. Age limit is 20-30 years, and candidates must be proficient in the local language of the state for which they apply. The pay scale is approximately ₹36,000 to ₹55,000 per month.
Why it matters: Bank recruitment notifications—especially post counts, pay scales, and last dates—are staple current-affairs questions in Banking exams.
RRB Group D Exam 2026: CBT Scheduled from August 3 to 25 (22,195 Posts)
Railway Recruitment Board has issued a revised Computer-Based Test (CBT) exam schedule for RRB Group D Recruitment 2026 (CEN 09/2025). The exam will be conducted over 16 days from August 3 to August 25, 2026, for 22,195 vacancies. Candidates can download their city intimation and admit cards from the RRB regional websites.
Why it matters: One of the largest central government recruitment drives; vacancy numbers and exam dates are frequently tested in current affairs.
ISRO Chief Confirms Gaganyaan Human Spaceflight Mission on Track for 2027 Launch
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that India's maiden human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan is firmly on track for launch in 2027. Three uncrewed Gaganyaan missions will precede the crewed flight, with the first scheduled for December 2025 carrying the half-humanoid robot Vyommitra. India also plans to establish a national space station by 2035 and land Indian astronauts on the Moon by 2040.
Why it matters: Gaganyaan timeline, Vyommitra robot, and India's Moon mission roadmap are core topics for UPSC Prelims and SSC science-tech sections.
ISRO's Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon (BAH) 2026 Grand Finale on August 6-7 at NRSC Hyderabad
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the Grand Finale of the Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon (BAH) 2026, scheduled at the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), Hyderabad, on August 6 and 7, 2026. Shortlisted teams from across India will compete in space technology challenges.
Why it matters: ISRO programs and initiatives like Gaganyaan, space hackathons, and technology missions are frequent UPSC Prelims and SSC GK topics.
Neeraj Chopra Wins Silver in Men's Javelin at Commonwealth Games 2026, Glasgow
India's star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra won the Silver medal in the Men's Javelin event at the Commonwealth Games 2026 held in Glasgow. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Chopra on the achievement. India also won medals in Judo (Yamini Maurya—Silver in 57kg) and Men's Decathlon (Tejaswin Shankar—Bronze).
Why it matters: Neeraj Chopra's achievements and India's medal tally at multi-sport events are regular exam questions in the sports section.
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