Current affairs · 23 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 One-Year Extension
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet approved one-year extensions for Cabinet Secretary TV Somanathan and Home Secretary Govind Mohan in early August 2026. Both officers continue in their respective positions overseeing key administrative and internal security functions of the Government of India.
Why it matters: Cabinet Secretary is the top-most civil servant—frequent UPSC prelims and mains question on administrative hierarchy and key appointments.
IAS Officer Anurag Jain Appointed as NITI Aayog CEO
The Centre appointed IAS officer Anurag Jain as Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog in July 2026. NITI Aayog serves as the premier policy think tank of the Government of India, providing strategic and technical advice to the Centre and States on key policy matters.
Why it matters: NITI Aayog CEO is a key position in policy formulation—frequently asked about governance structure and planning bodies in UPSC.
Smt Alka Nangia Arora Assumes Charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts
Smt Alka Nangia Arora, an Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) officer, assumed charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on August 1, 2026. As CGDA, she leads the Defence Accounts Department under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for audit, payment, and accounts of defence expenditure.
Why it matters: CGDA is a constitutional post under Defence—important for understanding defence administration and financial management.
Air Marshal Tejpal Singh Appointed Deputy Chief of Air Staff
Air Marshal Tejpal Singh officially assumed the appointment of Deputy Chief of the Air Staff on August 1, 2026. This is a key operational position in the Indian Air Force hierarchy, responsible for operational planning and coordination.
Why it matters: Senior military appointments are important for defence and security topics—regularly asked in defence exams and UPSC.
RBI Keeps Repo Rate Unchanged at 5.25%, Raises FY27 GDP Forecast to 6.7%
The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously kept the repo rate at 5.25% in its August 2026 meeting while maintaining a neutral stance. The central bank revised FY27 GDP growth forecast upward to 6.7% from 6.6%, and lowered inflation outlook to 5.0%. The Standing Deposit Facility rate remains at 5.00% and Marginal Standing Facility rate at 5.50%.
Why it matters: RBI monetary policy decisions directly impact inflation, growth projections and banking sector—frequent prelims and mains topic.
8th Pay Commission Conducting Stakeholder Consultations Across India
The 8th Central Pay Commission, constituted on November 3, 2025, with Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai as Chairperson, is conducting nationwide consultations 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 an 18-month deadline to submit its report (expected around May 2027), with recommendations expected to be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2026.
Why it matters: Pay Commissions determine salary structures for all central government employees—major administrative and governance topic for all exams.
Dearness Allowance Hiked to 60% from January 2026 for Central Government Employees
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 benefits approximately 49 lakh central government employees and 65 lakh pensioners across India.
Why it matters: DA revisions are critical for understanding government compensation policy—regularly asked in SSC, Banking and Railways exams.
IOCL Announces 1,883 Apprentice Positions Across Multiple Locations
Indian Oil Corporation Limited issued recruitment notification for 1,883 apprentice positions for candidates with Graduation, Diploma, and ITI qualifications. The positions are available across multiple locations in India with application closing date of September 6, 2026.
Why it matters: Large-scale PSU recruitment providing entry-level opportunities in oil and gas sector—relevant for general awareness of government job landscape.
SBI Recruiting 1,538 Junior Associates in Clerical Cadre for 2026-27
State Bank of India's Central Recruitment & Promotion Department released Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 for recruitment of 1,538 Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in clerical cadre across various circles in India. Candidates require graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. Application deadline is August 27, 2026.
Why it matters: Major public sector bank recruitment with significant vacancies—important for banking exam aspirants tracking job opportunities.
Centre Approves Incentive Scheme for Domestic PNG Connections from September 1
The Central Government approved an Incentive Scheme for Promotion of Domestic Piped Natural Gas (PNG) Connections, effective from September 1, 2026. India currently has 1.74 crore domestic piped-gas connections. The scheme operates in two tranches over six months and pays city gas distributors 200 standard cubic metres per additional billed connection to promote clean energy adoption.
Why it matters: Energy sector schemes and clean fuel promotion are relevant for environment and economy sections in prelims and mains.
Government Approves Vibrant Villages Programme for Border Areas
The Government of India approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Vibrant Villages Programme' in August 2026 for comprehensive development of villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in 4 states (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand) and 1 UT (Ladakh) along the northern border. The programme focuses on infrastructure, livelihood generation, and border area development.
Why it matters: Border area development schemes are crucial for internal security and regional development—important UPSC Mains GS-III topic.
Union Minister Delivers 2.89 Lakh Houses Under PM Awas Yojana-Gramin in Rajasthan
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan delivered 2.89 lakh completed pucca houses worth ₹3,473 crore to beneficiaries in Rajasthan under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin on August 17, 2026. The scheme provides approximately ₹1.2 lakh assistance per house to eligible rural households for constructing permanent dwelling units.
Why it matters: PMAY-G is a flagship rural housing scheme—important for social welfare and government initiatives section in all competitive exams.
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