Current affairs — 12 August 2026

India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $692.9 Billion as of July 31, 2026

India's foreign-exchange reserves rose by approximately $10.5 billion in one week to $692.9 billion as of July 31, 2026, their highest level in nearly three months. The RBI reported that reserves provided more than ten months of import cover and covered about 90.8% of external debt. The rupee appreciated about 1.2% during that week, its strongest weekly gain in four months.

Why it matters: Forex reserves indicate economic stability; import cover ratio and external debt coverage are key economic indicators for all exams

RBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25%, Raises FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 6.7%

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% in its August 5, 2026 meeting while retaining the neutral stance. RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra chaired the 62nd MPC meeting held from August 3-5, 2026. The central bank raised its FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from the earlier 6.6% and lowered the inflation outlook to 5.0%, citing resilient domestic demand despite global uncertainties.

Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions are critical for Economy section; know repo rate, GDP forecast, inflation target for Banking and UPSC Mains GS3

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 the Union Budget 2026. The International Big Cat Alliance was launched by India to conserve seven major big cats—tiger, lion, leopard, snow leopard, cheetah, jaguar, and puma—across their global habitats.

Why it matters: Wildlife conservation and India's environmental diplomacy leadership; important for UPSC Prelims and Mains Environment/IR topics

Union Budget 2026 Allocates ₹20,000 Crore for Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage Over Five Years

The Union Budget 2026 announced an allocation of ₹20,000 crore over five years for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technology across key sectors. The budget also prioritized clean energy support, renewable energy initiatives, and green transport through inland waterways and coastal shipping to promote sustainability and green growth.

Why it matters: CCUS is a climate mitigation technology; budget allocations for environment critical for UPSC Mains GS3 and Prelims

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, Departments, and Union Territories 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 salary revision exercise, with implementation expected from January 1, 2026.

Why it matters: 8th Pay Commission will determine salary structure for lakhs of government employees; fitment factor and pay matrix are key exam topics

Dearness Allowance Increased to 60% for Central Government Employees from January 1, 2026

The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) effective from January 1, 2026, raising the DA rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This hike is separate from the recommendations of the 8th Pay Commission and benefits all central government employees and pensioners under the 7th Pay Commission pay structure.

Why it matters: DA revisions directly impact government employee compensation; critical for aspirants to know current DA percentage and effective dates

Rajasthan DLB Recruitment 2026: 24,752 Safai Karamchari Vacancies Announced

The Department of Local Self Government, Rajasthan, has announced recruitment for 24,752 Safai Karamchari posts. Eligible candidates can apply online from August 15, 2026 to September 28, 2026. This represents one of the largest sanitation worker recruitment drives in the state for 2026.

Why it matters: Large-scale state recruitment notification; important for State PSC aspirants and those tracking government job vacancies

UPSC Announces Recruitment for 828 Principal and Vice-Principal Posts in Delhi Education Department

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has issued a notification for recruitment of 828 positions of Principal and Vice-Principal in the Education Department, Government of NCT of Delhi. This represents a significant teaching-administrative recruitment drive for the national capital's education sector.

Why it matters: UPSC recruitment notifications are high-value government positions; important for teaching and administrative service aspirants

Vibrant Villages Programme Approved for Border Areas with ₹4,800 Crore Allocation

The Government of India has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Vibrant Villages Programme' for comprehensive development of villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts across Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand, and Ladakh (UT) along the northern border. A fund of ₹4,800 crore has been allocated for the Financial Year 2022-23 to 2025-26.

Why it matters: Border area development scheme with security and strategic importance; relevant for UPSC Mains GS2/GS3 and Prelims