Listen: current affairs, 11 August 2026

K Rajaraman's Tenure as IFSCA Chairperson Extended

The Government has extended K Rajaraman's tenure as Chairperson of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) in August 2026. IFSCA is the unified regulator for financial services in International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in India, including GIFT City in Gujarat.

Why it matters: IFSCA and GIFT City are important topics for banking exams and UPSC Economy paper

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 organisation. GSI operates under the Ministry of Mines and conducts geological surveys and mineral exploration.

Why it matters: First woman appointment in major government organisations is high-probability static GK question

Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan - National Offshore Exploration Scheme Worth ₹84,084 Crore

The Union Cabinet has approved 'Samudra Manthan' - National Offshore Exploration Scheme with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The scheme aims to boost offshore oil and gas exploration in Indian waters and enhance energy security. It represents a major investment in petroleum sector exploration activities.

Why it matters: Major schemes with significant budgetary outlays are important for Economy and Current Affairs sections

RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25% in August 2026 Policy, Retains Neutral Stance

The RBI's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% at its August 5, 2026 meeting under Governor Sanjay Malhotra. The MPC retained the 'Neutral' monetary policy stance. The RBI raised FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.6%, while lowering inflation forecast to 5.0% from 5.1%. Inflation is projected to peak at 5.9% in Q3 FY27 due to food and fuel prices.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions and growth/inflation projections are critical for Economy section in all competitive exams

Retail Inflation Rose to 4.4% in June 2026, Crossing RBI Target

India's retail inflation (CPI) increased to 4.4% in June 2026, crossing the RBI's 4% target after remaining below it for 16 consecutive months. However, core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remained stable at 3.9%. The rise was attributed to higher food and fuel prices, though the RBI expects inflation to moderate later in FY27.

Why it matters: Inflation data and RBI's inflation targeting framework are frequently tested in Banking and SSC exams

Government Allocates ₹20,000 Crore for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Over Five Years

The Union Budget 2026 allocated ₹20,000 crore over five years for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology across key sectors. The initiative is part of India's green growth and climate action strategy to reduce carbon emissions while supporting industrial growth.

Why it matters: CCUS and climate change mitigation technologies are important for UPSC Environment paper and Current Affairs

India to Host International Big Cat Alliance Summit with 95 Range Countries

India will host the International Big Cat Alliance Summit in 2026 with participation from 95 range countries. The summit was announced in Union Budget 2026 under environment and biodiversity initiatives. The alliance focuses on conservation of big cats including tigers, lions, leopards, and snow leopards across their range countries.

Why it matters: International summits hosted by India and wildlife conservation are core topics for UPSC Environment and Current Affairs

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 Ministries and Departments to submit employee data through its online portal till July 31, 2026. The Commission is collecting workforce data including contractual and outsourced manpower details. Implementation is expected from January 1, 2026, with fitment factor projected between 2.28 to 2.86, potentially raising minimum basic pay to ₹41,000–₹51,480.

Why it matters: 8th Pay Commission will revise salaries of 1 crore+ central govt employees and pensioners - major topic for all govt exam aspirants

CERT-In Announces Recruitment for 133 Scientist-B Posts

The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued recruitment notification for 133 Scientist-B posts in 2026. The last date to apply online is August 21, 2026. CERT-In functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology and is the nodal agency for cybersecurity in India.

Why it matters: CERT-In vacancies are relevant for questions on cybersecurity infrastructure and IT sector government jobs

Central Government Jobs: Over 23,400 Vacancies Active as of August 11, 2026

As of August 11, 2026, there are 88 active central government job notifications with total 23,489 vacancies. Major recruitments include SBI (1,576 vacancies), UPSC (895 vacancies), RBI (125 vacancies), and ONGC (24 vacancies). RRB Group D revised vacancy stands at 22,195 posts, RRB Technician Grade 3 has 6,234 vacancies, and RRB ALP announced 11,127 posts.

Why it matters: Current vacancy numbers and major recruitment drives motivate aspirants and appear in General Awareness sections

Dearness Allowance Hiked to 60% for Central Govt Employees from January 2026

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

Why it matters: DA hike directly impacts lakhs of government employees and is a recurring exam question on benefits and allowances

Government Approves Vibrant Villages Programme for Border Areas

The Government of India has approved a Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Vibrant Villages Programme' for comprehensive development of villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in 4 States and 1 UT - Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand and Ladakh (UT) abutting the northern border. The scheme aims at border area development and infrastructure.

Why it matters: New centrally sponsored schemes and border development are important for UPSC GS Papers and state PSC exams