Current Affairs — September 2026

Tuesday, 1 September

• EconomyRBI Maintains Repo Rate at 5.25% in August 2026 Policy, Raises GDP Growth Forecast

  The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously maintained the repo rate at 5.25% during its August 3-5, 2026 meeting, keeping the stance 'neutral'. The RBI raised FY2026/27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.6% and lowered inflation projection to 5.0% from 5.1%. Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) rate remains at 5.00% and Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) rate at 5.50%. Governor Sanjay Malhotra cited resilient domestic demand and robust exports.

  Why it matters: RBI monetary policy rates, growth forecasts, and Governor's name are critical for banking and economy questions

• InternationalPM Modi's Tashkent Visit: India-Uzbekistan Ties Elevated to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Tashkent, Uzbekistan, on August 31, 2026, and elevated bilateral relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. The visit focused on enhancing cooperation in trade, defence, connectivity, and counter-terrorism. This marks a significant upgrade in India's Central Asian engagement.

  Why it matters: Recent PM visit and partnership elevation are standard current affairs questions; Central Asian policy is UPSC-relevant

• International18th BRICS Summit to be Held in New Delhi on September 12-13, 2026

  India will host the 18th BRICS Summit at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on September 12-13, 2026, under its 2026 chairship. The theme is 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. The expanded BRICS now includes Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE besides original members Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Chinese President Xi Jinping is expected to attend, marking his first India visit since 2019.

  Why it matters: Major international summit hosted by India; BRICS membership, theme, venue, and dates are high-probability exam questions

• NationalSupreme Court Hears OBC Creamy Layer Case on September 1, 2026

  The Supreme Court of India is conducting a hearing on the OBC (Other Backward Classes) creamy layer matter on September 1, 2026. This involves crucial deliberations on reservation policy and the criteria for determining creamy layer status among OBC beneficiaries, impacting social justice and affirmative action frameworks.

  Why it matters: OBC reservation and creamy layer provisions are constitutional topics frequently tested in prelims and mains

• Pay & JobsDA at 60% of Basic Pay: January 2026 Hike for Central Government Employees

  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. This increase benefits all central government employees and pensioners under the 7th Pay Commission framework while the 8th Pay Commission finalizes its recommendations.

  Why it matters: DA rates and revision dates are standard exam questions; current rate of 60% and effective date must be remembered

• Pay & JobsISRO ICRB Scientist/Engineer Recruitment 2026: 175 Vacancies Notified

  ISRO Inter-Centre Recruitment Board (ICRB) has announced recruitment for 175 Scientist/Engineer posts in 2026. Eligibility requires BE/B.Tech degree. The positions offer salary as per ISRO pay scales. This is part of ISRO's ongoing expansion under Chairman V. Narayanan's leadership.

  Why it matters: Major PSU recruitment with technical positions; ISRO recruitment patterns are exam-relevant

• Pay & Jobs8th Pay Commission Consultation Visits: Jaipur Session on August 31-September 1, 2026

  The 8th Pay Commission is conducting stakeholder consultation visits across India, with sessions held in Jaipur on August 31-September 1, 2026. Further visits scheduled for Chennai (September 7-8), Puducherry (September 9), and Chandigarh (September 16-18). The Commission, formally constituted on November 3, 2025, is working on fitment factor and revised pay structure to be implemented retrospectively from January 1, 2026, affecting 49 lakh employees and 65 lakh pensioners.

  Why it matters: Pay Commission details are frequently tested in exams; fitment factor, implementation date, and coverage are key facts

• SchemesCabinet Approves Continuation of PM-KISAN Scheme Till 2030-31 with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay

  The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme until 2030-31 with a total outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. Under the scheme, eligible farmers with cultivable land receive direct income support of ₹6,000 per year in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.

  Why it matters: PM-KISAN is among the most-asked schemes in exams; beneficiary amount, frequency, and extension details are crucial

• SchemesCabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) for Floating Solar Energy

  The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) on August 1, 2026, to promote floating solar power generation across water bodies. This initiative aims to boost renewable energy capacity and optimize land use by installing solar panels on water surfaces like reservoirs and lakes, contributing to India's clean energy targets.

  Why it matters: New scheme linking renewable energy and water resource management; combines environment and energy sectors for exam questions

• SchemesCabinet Approves Revamped Khelo India Scheme with ₹36,441 Crore Outlay

  The Union Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme on August 1, 2026, with a total outlay of ₹36,441 crore. The enhanced scheme includes support for the Armed Forces Sports Control Board (AFSCB) to boost sports infrastructure, talent identification, and training programs across India, aligning with preparations for major sporting events.

  Why it matters: Major sports scheme revision with substantial budget; connects sports policy with defence forces involvement

• Sci-TechISRO Gaganyaan G1 Unmanned Mission: First Orbital Test Announced for August 31, 2026

  ISRO's Gaganyaan G1 unmanned mission is scheduled to test the crew module's orbital insertion, life support systems, re-entry, and splashdown recovery in the Arabian Sea without human crew. After G1 success, the G2 mission will fly Vyommitra (humanoid robot) before the G3 crewed mission. India's Gaganyaan astronauts include Gp Capt Prashanth Balakrishnan Nair, Gp Capt Angad Pratap, Gp Capt Ajit Krishnan, and Wg Cdr Shubhanshu Shukla. ISRO Chairman: V. Narayanan.

  Why it matters: Gaganyaan is India's first human spaceflight program; mission sequence, astronaut names, and ISRO Chairman are exam essentials

• SportsIndia's Asian Games 2026 Squad: 650 Athletes Target 130+ Medals in Aichi-Nagoya

  India's final squad for the 2026 Asian Games (September 19-October 4, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan) comprises approximately 650 athletes competing across 40 sports disciplines. India targets winning 130+ medals including 35+ gold medals, aiming to surpass its Hangzhou 2022 performance of 107 medals. The games mark a major opportunity for India to showcase sporting prowess in Asia.

  Why it matters: Upcoming major sporting event; host city, dates, India's medal target, and squad size are exam-relevant