Current affairs · 15 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 Receive One-Year Extension
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet granted one-year extensions to Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan on August 6, 2026. Both are senior IAS officers holding critical positions in the Government of India's administrative structure.
Why it matters: Cabinet Secretary and Home Secretary are among the most important bureaucratic positions; their tenure extensions are exam-relevant
Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala Assumes Charge as Ministry of Earth Sciences Secretary
Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala assumed charge as Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) on August 11, 2026. The appointment was made by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet.
Why it matters: Secretary-level appointments in key ministries are standard current affairs questions across all exams
Justice R V Ghuge, M C Tripathi Recommended as Chief Justices of Calcutta and Bombay High Courts
The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice R V Ghuge for appointment as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court and Justice M C Tripathi for appointment as Chief Justice of Bombay High Court on August 10, 2026.
Why it matters: High Court Chief Justice appointments test knowledge of judicial structure and appointment process
Indian Air Force Participates in Exercise Pitch Black 2026 in Australia
Indian Air Force Rafale multirole fighters, supported by C-17 Globemaster III transport and IL-78 air-to-air refuelling aircraft, are participating in Exercise Pitch Black 2026, the Royal Australian Air Force's biennial multinational air combat exercise (July 20 - August 7) across RAAF bases at Darwin, Tindal, and Amberley. The exercise brings together personnel from 20 countries and is the largest edition in its 45-year history.
Why it matters: Bilateral and multilateral military exercises demonstrate India's defence diplomacy and operational readiness
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25% in August 2026 MPC Meeting
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% during its August 3-5, 2026 meeting, maintaining a neutral stance. The RBI revised FY27 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.7% from 6.6% and lowered the inflation forecast to 5.0% from 5.1%. The decision reflects balanced approach amid global geopolitical uncertainties, particularly Middle East tensions. Next MPC meeting is scheduled for October 5-7, 2026.
Why it matters: Repo rate decisions, GDP projections, and inflation forecasts are core topics for economy sections in all competitive exams
India's BRICS Chairship: Culture Ministers' Meeting and BRICS Summit Preparations
Under India's BRICS Chairship for 2025-27, India is hosting the 3rd BRICS Culture Working Group Meeting in Bhopal (August 5-6), BRICS Cultural Festival (August 6-7), and BRICS Culture Ministers' Meeting (August 7-8, 2026). These events are preparatory to the main BRICS Leaders' Summit scheduled for September 12-13, 2026 in New Delhi. India holds the IONS (Indian Ocean Naval Symposium) Chair for the second time between 2025 and 2027.
Why it matters: India's BRICS Chairship, summit venues, and multilateral forum leadership are crucial for international relations questions
India Celebrates 80th Independence Day; PM Modi Delivers 13th Red Fort Address
India marked its 80th Independence Day on August 15, 2026, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivering his 13th consecutive Independence Day address from the Red Fort in New Delhi. The address is expected to focus on reforms, employment generation, and self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat). President Droupadi Murmu approved 78 gallantry awards, including 13 posthumous honors, for defence forces and central armed police forces personnel on the eve of Independence Day.
Why it matters: Annual Red Fort speech is a key source of government policy announcements and vision statements; gallantry awards are frequently asked in defence exams
8th Pay Commission Consultations Continue; Report Expected May 2027
The 8th Central Pay Commission, formally constituted on November 3, 2025, continues its stakeholder consultation process across India with scheduled visits to Jaipur (August 31-September 1), Chennai (September 7-8), Puducherry (September 9), and Chandigarh (September 16-18, 2026). The Commission has 18 months to submit recommendations, with the Finance Ministry expecting the report around May 2027. January 1, 2026 is the reference date for pay revision, though actual implementation will occur after government approval of recommendations.
Why it matters: Pay Commission developments directly impact lakhs of aspirants targeting central government jobs; reference dates and timelines are frequently tested
95,131 Government Job Vacancies Available as of August 13, 2026
As per the latest consolidated data updated on August 13, 2026, a total of 95,131 government job vacancies are available across various central and state government departments and public sector undertakings throughout India. The vacancies span multiple qualification levels and departments.
Why it matters: Total government vacancy figures indicate employment opportunities and recruitment scale, motivating aspirants about government career prospects
DA Hike Approved: 2% Increase Takes Rate to 60% from January 2026
The Union Cabinet 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. The 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. Employees will receive arrears applicable from January 1, 2026.
Why it matters: DA hike percentages, effective dates, beneficiary numbers, and financial impact figures are high-frequency exam questions
ISRO Executes 29 Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres in Last 18 Months
The Indian Space Research Organisation performed 29 collision avoidance manoeuvres in the last one and a half years to protect Indian satellites, including 20 manoeuvres in 2025 and nine in 2026 so far. The government informed Parliament that 20 out of 22 active Indian satellites are operating in low earth orbit (LEO) at altitudes of 2000 km or less, where collision risk is highest. The measures reflect growing space congestion and India's proactive space safety protocols.
Why it matters: Space debris management and satellite protection demonstrate India's growing space capabilities and commitment to sustainable space operations
ISRO Plans 27 Space Missions for FY 2026-27 Including Four Gaganyaan Missions
The Indian Space Research Organisation announced an ambitious schedule of 27 space missions for FY 2026-27, including four missions dedicated to the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The portfolio includes five Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) missions, three Earth observation satellite missions, and two communication/navigation satellite missions. The Human-Rated Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (HLVM-3) has been qualified and is ready for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
Why it matters: ISRO mission counts, Gaganyaan programme updates, and launch vehicle details are important for science & technology sections
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