Current affairs · 4 August 2026
The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 10 updates.
Over 4,400 Government Vacancies Closing in August 2026 First Week
Multiple central and state government departments have released notifications for over 4,442 vacancies in the first week of August 2026. Major recruitments include Indian Air Force (Agniveervayu Musician), Indian Navy (SSC Officer), UPPSC PCS, UPSSSC Auditor, NICL Assistant and HPPSC Constable positions, with application deadlines falling in early August.
Why it matters: Major recruitment notifications and vacancy counts are important for aspirants tracking upcoming opportunities and exam trends
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 surveys, mineral exploration and geoscience information.
Why it matters: First woman appointments to key government positions are frequently asked in prelims and important for interview discussions
RBI MPC Meeting Underway: Policy Decision Expected August 5, 2026
The Reserve Bank of India's three-day Monetary Policy Committee meeting began on August 3, 2026. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra will announce the monetary policy decision at 10 AM on August 5, followed by a press conference at 12 PM. Experts expect the repo rate to be maintained at 5.25% for the fourth consecutive meeting amid inflation concerns and global uncertainties.
Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions on repo rate and inflation outlook are frequently asked in economy sections of all competitive exams
RBI Projects India's GDP Growth at 6.6% for FY27, Inflation at 5.1%
The Reserve Bank of India has projected India's real GDP growth for FY 2026-27 at 6.6%, down from earlier estimate of 6.9%. Consumer price inflation (CPI) for the financial year is estimated at 5.1%, up from the earlier projection of 4.6%, mainly driven by higher LPG, base metal, plastic and rubber prices.
Why it matters: GDP and inflation projections are critical static GK for prelims and essential data for mains economy answers
Union Budget 2026 Allocates ₹20,000 Crore for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
The Union Budget 2026 announced an allocation of ₹20,000 crore over five years for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) deployment across key sectors. The budget also focuses on clean energy support, renewable energy schemes, inland waterways promotion, and coastal shipping as part of green transport initiatives.
Why it matters: Budget allocations for environmental initiatives and new technologies are important for prelims and mains environment sections
India to Host International Big Cat Alliance Summit with 95 Range Countries
India will host the International Big Cat Alliance Summit with participation from 95 range countries, as announced in Union Budget 2026. The summit aims to strengthen global cooperation for conservation of big cats including tigers, lions, leopards and other wild felines across their natural habitats.
Why it matters: International summits hosted by India and wildlife conservation initiatives are important for IR and environment sections
8th Pay Commission Extends Data Collection Deadline to July 31, 2026
The 8th Pay Commission, constituted on November 3, 2025, has extended the deadline for government departments to submit employee and workforce data through its online portal till July 31, 2026. The Commission is collecting workforce data, including contractual and outsourced manpower details, to support its ongoing salary revision exercise. Consultations continue with employee unions on fitment factor and pension reforms.
Why it matters: 8th CPC is a major topic for aspirants; updates on consultation timelines and data collection are testable in current affairs
8th Pay Commission: Fitment Factor of 2.28 Proposed, Minimum Wage Expected at ₹56,000+
Employee organizations have proposed a fitment factor of 2.28 for the 8th Pay Commission, which would increase the minimum wage by 34.1%. The minimum basic pay is expected to start from ₹56,000+ compared to ₹18,000 under the 7th CPC. The Commission, headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, continues nationwide consultations but has not finalized the fitment factor or revised pay matrix yet.
Why it matters: Pay Commission fitment factors, minimum pay scales and implementation dates are high-frequency static GK questions
Dearness Allowance Hiked to 60% from January 1, 2026
The Union Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from January 1, 2026, raising the DA rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This 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 are major current affairs for all exams; the 60% rate and effective date are frequently tested facts
Cabinet Approves 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme with ₹84,084 Crore Outlay
The Union Cabinet has approved the 'Samudra Manthan' National Offshore Exploration Scheme with a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The scheme aims to boost offshore oil and gas exploration in India's territorial waters and exclusive economic zone to enhance domestic energy security and reduce import dependence.
Why it matters: New government schemes with budget allocations are important current affairs; scheme names, objectives and outlay figures are frequently tested
Turn today's GK into marks
Read the news, then lock it in with a free mock on your exam. Current affairs stick when you test yourself.
Practice free on your exam →