Current affairs · 13 August 2026
The day's most exam-relevant current affairs for UPSC, SSC, banking, railways and state exams — free, factual, revision-ready. 12 updates.
Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan Get Extension
On August 6, 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved one-year extensions for Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan in their respective positions. Both are senior IAS officers holding critical positions in the Government of India.
Why it matters: Knowledge of top bureaucratic positions (Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary) is tested in prelims and helps in understanding administrative structure.
Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Assumes Charge as MoES Secretary
Dr Srinivasa Kumar Tummala assumed charge as the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on August 11, 2026. The MoES is responsible for programs related to ocean development, meteorology, seismology, and earth sciences in India.
Why it matters: Cabinet Secretary-level appointments are regularly asked in prelims and form part of current affairs for all major exams.
Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Four High Court Chief Justices
On August 10, 2026, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended the elevation of four judges as Chief Justices of High Courts. Justice R V Ghuge was recommended for Calcutta High Court and Justice M C Tripathi for Bombay High Court, along with recommendations for Patna and Punjab & Haryana High Courts.
Why it matters: Judicial appointments and the Collegium system are important topics for polity and governance sections in UPSC and state exams.
India's Foreign Exchange Reserves Rise to $692.9 Billion
India's foreign-exchange reserves rose by approximately $10.5 billion in one week to reach $692.9 billion as of July 31, 2026, their highest level in nearly three months. The RBI stated 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.
Why it matters: Forex reserves are a key indicator of economic stability; the figure and percentage of external debt coverage are testable facts in economy sections.
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25% in August 2026 Policy
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on August 5, 2026, while retaining its neutral stance. The RBI revised FY27 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.7% from 6.6% and lowered inflation outlook to 5.0%. Headline inflation is expected to peak at 5.9% in Q3 FY27 due to West Asia crisis and supply chain disruptions before moderating.
Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions are critical for economy sections in all government exams; repo rate, GDP and inflation forecasts are frequently tested.
Karnataka Observes 12-Hour Bandh Over Cauvery Water Dispute
Karnataka observed a state-wide bandh on August 13, 2026, from 6 AM to 6 PM called by pro-Kannada activist groups. The shutdown was organized to protest the Cauvery water-sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu and to demand progress on pending projects including Mekedatu, Mahadayi, and Kalasa-Banduri. Vatal Nagaraj led the bandh call with support sought from various sectors across Bengaluru and Mysuru.
Why it matters: Inter-state water disputes and federalism issues are frequently tested in UPSC and State PSC exams under polity and governance.
8th Pay Commission Consultations Ongoing; Fitment Factor Not Yet Decided
The 8th Central Pay Commission, constituted on November 3, 2025, is currently conducting stakeholder consultations across India with visits scheduled to Chennai (September 7-8), Puducherry (September 9), and Chandigarh (September 16-18, 2026). The fitment factor, revised pay matrix, and salary structure have not yet been finalized. The Commission has 18 months to submit recommendations, expected around May 2027.
Why it matters: Pay Commission recommendations impact lakhs of government employees and pensioners; understanding the structure helps aspirants gauge future government career benefits.
Airports Authority of India Recruiting Junior Executives and Managers
Airports Authority of India (AAI) has announced recruitment for Junior Executive and Manager positions in 2026, with the last date for applications being September 7, 2026. AAI is a Mini Ratna Category-I PSU under the Ministry of Civil Aviation responsible for managing civil aviation infrastructure.
Why it matters: AAI is a key PSU in civil aviation sector; its pay scales follow 7th CPC and offer career growth in a strategic infrastructure organization.
DA for Central Government Employees at 60% from January 2026
The Union Cabinet approved a 2% increase in Dearness Allowance (DA) and Dearness Relief (DR) with effect from January 1, 2026, raising the rate from 58% to 60% of Basic Pay/Pension. This remains under 7th Pay Commission rules as the 8th Pay Commission has not yet been implemented. The next DA hike for the second half of 2026 is expected in July, with speculation of a 3% increase.
Why it matters: DA hikes directly affect take-home salary of all central government employees; current DA percentage (60%) is a frequently asked static GK question.
HAL Announces 120 Management & Design Trainee Positions
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), India's premier aerospace and defense PSU, has announced recruitment for 120 Management and Design Trainee positions in 2026. The last date for applications is August 14, 2026. These positions are for engineering graduates in aerospace, mechanical, and electronics disciplines.
Why it matters: HAL is a Navratna PSU under Ministry of Defence; its recruitments offer competitive pay scales and are important for engineering graduates seeking defense sector careers.
Rajasthan Announces 24,752 Safai Karamchari Vacancies
The Department of Local Self Government, Rajasthan, has announced recruitment for 24,752 Safai Karamchari (sanitation worker) posts. Online applications will be accepted from August 15, 2026, to September 28, 2026. This represents one of the largest single recruitment drives announced recently.
Why it matters: Large-scale state government recruitments provide employment opportunities; vacancy numbers and application dates are important for aspirants tracking job notifications.
SBI Announces 1,538 Junior Associate Vacancies for 2026
State Bank of India (SBI) has notified 1,538 vacancies for Junior Associate positions in 2026. Additionally, SBI has announced 120 Specialist Cadre Officer positions and 2 Contractual Specialist Cadre Officer positions with application deadlines on August 27, 2026. SBI recruitment is being conducted for multiple locations across India.
Why it matters: SBI is the largest public sector bank; its recruitment drives are among the most sought-after banking jobs with pay scale under 7th Pay Commission at Pay Level 2-7.
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