Current affairs — 6 August 2026

RBI MPC Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%, Retains Neutral Stance

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% at its August 2026 meeting held on August 5, retaining a neutral stance. The MPC also raised FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from earlier estimates. Governor Sanjay Malhotra stated the RBI is 'neither dovish nor hawkish' with future policy guided by inflation trends. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for October 5-7, 2026.

Why it matters: MPC decisions on repo rate and GDP projections are critical for Economy & Banking questions; know current repo rate (5.25%), stance (neutral), and GDP forecast.

Finance Minister Introduces Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 in Lok Sabha

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha on August 5-6, 2026. The Bill aims to modernize evidence laws related to bankers' books and align them with today's digital banking methods, providing provisions for digital banking records and related legal matters.

Why it matters: New legislative measures in banking sector are frequently asked in Current Affairs; note the Bill's purpose—aligning banking evidence laws with digital era.

8th Pay Commission Extends Data Collection Deadline to July 31, 2026

The 8th Pay Commission has extended the deadline for Ministries, Departments, Union Territories, and government organizations to submit employee and workforce data through its online portal until July 31, 2026. The Commission is collecting comprehensive workforce data including contractual and outsourced manpower to support its salary revision exercise. Consultations with employee unions continue on fitment factor and allowances.

Why it matters: 8th CPC timeline and process updates are crucial for all govt job aspirants; recommendations expected to impact salary structure from Jan 2026 with arrears.

8th Pay Commission: Employee Bodies Demand 3.25 Fitment Factor and 7% Annual Increment

Leading central government employee and pensioner organizations met on February 25, 2026, under the National Council (Staff Side), Joint Consultative Machinery to demand a fitment factor of 3.25 and 7% annual increment from the 8th Pay Commission. While consultations continue, the Commission has not finalized the fitment factor or pay matrix. Earlier proposals from employee groups suggested a 3.83 fitment factor.

Why it matters: Fitment factor is the key multiplier determining salary hikes; employee demands vs. government decisions are exam-relevant current affairs.

DA Hike: Central Government Employees' Dearness Allowance at 60% from January 2026

The Union Cabinet has approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) effective from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This increase is separate from 8th Pay Commission recommendations. The hike benefits all central government employees and pensioners.

Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact lakhs of aspirants' future earnings; current DA rate (60%) is a standard Current Affairs question.

NHM Assam Recruiting 2,204 Staff Nurses

National Health Mission (NHM), Assam has notified recruitment for 2,204 Staff Nurse vacancies. The application deadline is August 15, 2026. Candidates must possess graduation-level nursing qualifications. This recruitment addresses healthcare workforce gaps in Assam.

Why it matters: Health sector recruitments under NHM are recurring exam topics; note the state (Assam), post (Staff Nurse), and vacancy count (2,204).

Rajasthan Announces Recruitment for 24,752 Safai Karamchari Posts

The Department of Local Self Government, Rajasthan, has announced recruitment for 24,752 Safai Karamchari (Sanitation Worker) positions. Eligible candidates can apply online from August 15, 2026, to September 28, 2026. This is one of the largest state government recruitment drives currently open in India.

Why it matters: Large-scale state recruitment notifications with specific vacancy numbers are exam-relevant; Rajasthan's 24,752 vacancies is a significant number.

ISRO Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon Grand Finale on August 6-7, 2026

ISRO is conducting the Grand Finale of Bharatiya Antariksh Hackathon (BAH) 2026 at NRSC Hyderabad on August 6-7, 2026. Shortlisted teams will compete in this national-level innovation competition focused on space technology and applications. The hackathon aims to inspire young innovators to contribute to India's space exploration programs.

Why it matters: ISRO initiatives and space technology programs are high-frequency UPSC/SSC topics; note event name, dates, and venue.

ISRO Plans Seven-Launch Mission Target for Current Financial Year

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced plans to execute seven space missions by the end of the current financial year, with the next launch expected within two months. This represents one of ISRO's busiest operational phases, spanning human spaceflight preparations, strategic satellites, commercial launches, and technology demonstration missions, reflecting India's push for high-cadence space operations.

Why it matters: ISRO mission planning and launch cadence indicate India's space capabilities; seven-mission target shows operational scale-up.

ISRO Wins NAeG 2026 Gold Award for AI-Powered Cybersecurity Platform

ISRO's Space Applications Centre (SAC) won the Gold Award at National Awards for e-Governance (NAeG) 2026 in the Cyber Security Innovation category. The award was presented during the 29th National Conference on e-Governance held in Jaipur on July 1-2, 2026, for developing an indigenous AI-powered cybersecurity platform that protects India's space infrastructure and mission-critical networks from cyber threats in real-time.

Why it matters: National awards and ISRO technological innovations are standard Prelims/Mains material; note award category and indigenous AI development.