Daily Current Affairs – 01 August 2026

Staying updated with today's current affairs is essential for competitive exam aspirants preparing for SSC, UPSC, Banking, State PSCs, and Railway exams. The 1 August 2026 current affairs cover the landmark Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill 2026 providing statutory protection to Vande Mataram, Cabinet's Samudra Manthan offshore exploration scheme (₹84,084 crore), PM-KISAN extended to 2030-31 (₹3.15 lakh crore), Khelo India revamped scheme (₹36,441 crore), PM Surya Sarovar Yojana for 5,000 MW floating solar, India-Bhutan Line of Credit ₹4,000 crore, Favara-UPI Maldives corridor launch, ZSI's complete Lepidoptera Catalogue, HSL delivering INS Nipun, India winning CWG judo gold, Ajinkya Rahane's retirement, and World Lung Cancer Day - all frequently appearing in the General Awareness section of government exams.

India – National Current Affairs

• Parliament Passes Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 - Vande Mataram Gets Statutory Protection – The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on 30 July 2026, following the Rajya Sabha's passage on 29 July 2026. The Bill amends the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971, making deliberate insult, disrespect, or obstruction of the singing of Vande Mataram a punishable offence under the law. Exam importance: The Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 already penalised insults to the Indian National Flag, the Constitution, the National Anthem (Jana Gana Mana), and the National Emblem (Ashoka Lion Capital); this amendment adds Vande Mataram (National Song) to the protected list; Vande Mataram was composed by Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay in 1882 and published in his novel 'Anandamath'; the first two stanzas were adopted as India's National Song on 24 January 1950; it was first sung at the 1896 INC session in Calcutta; the song is associated with the Swadeshi Movement and the Indian freedom struggle; the Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971 is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• Union Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme with ₹84,084 Crore Outlay – The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme on 31 July 2026, with a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore. The five-year programme will promote seismic surveys, exploratory drilling, and shared infrastructure in deepwater and ultra-deepwater regions, aiming to attract public and private investment, increase domestic oil and gas production, and reduce India's dependence on imported energy resources. Exam importance: India imports approximately 85-87% of its crude oil requirements; India's offshore oil production is primarily from the Mumbai High field (ONGC); deepwater blocks in the Krishna-Godavari (KG) basin have significant untapped potential; the scheme aligns with India's Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP), 2016; Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas: Hardeep Singh Puri; the scheme complements the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) for attracting private investment in hydrocarbon exploration.
• Cabinet Approves PM-KISAN Continuation for FY27 to FY31 with ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Outlay – The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme from 2026-27 to 2030-31, sanctioning a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore for the five-year period. Under PM-KISAN, eligible farmer families receive ₹6,000 per year in three equal instalments of ₹2,000 directly into their bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). Exam importance: PM-KISAN was launched on 24 February 2019 by PM Modi in Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh; it covers all land-holding farmer families (not just small and marginal farmers) with annual income support; PM-KISAN's 23rd instalment (₹18,880 crore) was released by PM Modi on 20 June 2026; the scheme has cumulatively benefited over 9 crore farmer families; administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare; PM-KISAN is India's largest direct income support programme for farmers by beneficiary count.
• Revamped Khelo India Scheme and Enhanced National Sports Federation Support Approved with ₹36,441 Crore – The Union Cabinet approved a revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced assistance to National Sports Federations (NSFs) with a combined allocation of ₹36,441 crore, aimed at strengthening sports infrastructure, identifying young talent, improving athlete training, and providing better support for national federations for improving India's performance in international sporting events. Exam importance: The Khelo India programme was launched in 2018 under the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MoYAS); key components include Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG), Khelo India University Games (KIUG), Khelo India Winter Games (KIWG), and Khelo India Para Games; the programme has created the Khelo India Centres (KICs) for grassroots sports development; Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports: Mansukh Mandaviya; combined with the ₹36,441 crore outlay, the revamped scheme will also expand the Sports Excellence Centres (SEC) and sports science support network nationwide; India's target: top 10 finish at LA 2028 Olympics.
• Cabinet Approves Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana with ₹5,070 Crore for 5,000 MW Floating Solar – The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana with an outlay of ₹5,070 crore to establish approximately 5,000 MW of floating solar photovoltaic capacity on suitable water bodies across India. Floating solar projects reduce pressure on scarce land resources, may lower water evaporation from reservoirs, and contribute to India's renewable energy and energy security objectives. Exam importance: India currently has limited floating solar capacity (~500 MW) despite having thousands of reservoirs suitable for floating solar deployment; major sites for floating solar include Omkareshwar (MP - 600 MW, world's largest floating solar project on a reservoir, under development), Rihand reservoir (UP), and Jayakwadi reservoir (Maharashtra); India's total solar capacity crossed 100 GW in 2024; MNRE is the nodal ministry; the scheme complements PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (rooftop solar) and the National Solar Mission target of 280 GW solar by 2030.
• ZSI Completes First Comprehensive Catalogue of Lepidoptera of India After 12 Years - 13,703 Species Documented – The Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) completed the first comprehensive Catalogue of Lepidoptera of India after a 12-year documentation exercise on 30 July 2026. The catalogue records 13,703 species of butterflies and moths found across the country, consolidating taxonomic information that had remained scattered for more than a century and supporting biodiversity conservation, ecological research, and identification of threatened species. Exam importance: Lepidoptera is the order of insects comprising butterflies (Rhopalocera) and moths (Heterocera) - with approximately 20,000 species globally, India hosts approximately 68.5% of the world's known butterfly diversity; ZSI was established in 1916, HQ: Kolkata, West Bengal; Director: Dhriti Banerjee; India has 3 iconic butterfly sanctuaries: Thattekad (Kerala), Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh), and Bhimashankar Wildlife Sanctuary (Maharashtra); the State Butterfly of India is the Southern Birdwing (adopted 2023).
• Indian Railways Launches Online Excess Luggage Booking Through IRCTC – Indian Railways introduced an online facility for booking excess personal luggage for passengers holding confirmed reserved tickets on 31 July 2026. Travellers can declare, pay for, and track additional luggage through the IRCTC platform instead of visiting railway parcel offices. Exam importance: Free luggage allowances vary by class: AC First Class - 70 kg, AC 2-Tier - 50 kg, AC 3-Tier/Chair Car - 40 kg, Sleeper Class - 40 kg, Second Class - 35 kg; IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) is a PSU under the Ministry of Railways providing ticketing, catering, and tourism services; IRCTC handles approximately 14 lakh online tickets per day; the digital shift aligns with Indian Railways' Digital Bharat initiative and the Vision 2047 blueprint; Indian Railways is the world's 4th largest railway network with ~67,956 route km.
• Army Chief Gen. Dhiraj Seth Launches Indigenous Xtreme Weather Grade Diesel for Military Vehicles – Indian Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth launched the indigenously developed 'Xtreme Weather Grade' diesel in New Delhi on 31 July 2026. The specialised fuel has been designed for military and logistics vehicles operating in extremely cold and sub-zero conditions, expected to improve vehicle mobility, safety, starting performance, and operational availability in high-altitude and severe-weather deployment areas. Exam importance: This fuel addresses a critical operational requirement for Indian Army vehicles deployed in Siachen Glacier (world's highest battlefield), Ladakh (−50°C in winter), and high-altitude posts in Himachal Pradesh and Arunachal Pradesh; the fuel was developed indigenously by oil refineries working with the Petroleum Ministry in coordination with MoD; Gen. Dhiraj Seth is India's 31st Army Chief (assumed charge 30 June 2026 - 1st July 2026 onwards), commissioned into the Rajputana Rifles; this aligns with Atmanirbhar Bharat in defence logistics.

Daily Current Affairs 01 August 2026: Download Free PDF Now

International Current Affairs

• India and Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Crore Line of Credit at 5th India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu – India and Bhutan signed a concessional Line of Credit (LoC) agreement worth ₹4,000 crore (Nu 40 billion) during the Fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks in Thimphu, Bhutan on 31 July 2026. The agreement was signed between the Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) and Bhutan's Ministry of Finance, and will support infrastructure and development initiatives in Bhutan. Exam importance: Bhutan is India's closest bilateral partner - shares a 699 km border with India; India is Bhutan's largest trade and development partner; Bhutan's currency (Ngultrum) is pegged to the Indian Rupee; India provides Bhutan hydropower project support, free transit access, and development assistance; India-Bhutan Friendship Treaty was signed in 2007 (replacing the 1949 treaty); Bhutan PM: Tshering Tobgay; Bhutan PM is also called the Lyonchen; Bhutan capital: Thimphu; India's Exim Bank provides concessional LoCs for development projects in partner countries.
• Hamas Agrees to Roadmap for Phased Disarmament Under Gaza Peace Framework – Hamas agreed on 31 July 2026 to a proposed roadmap for its phased disarmament under a Gaza peace framework overseen by the US-led Board of Peace. The plan links the surrender of weapons with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the transfer of administration to a technocratic Palestinian body. Implementation remains subject to verification, agreement on sequencing, and formal acceptance by all parties. Exam importance: Hamas (Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiyya) is the Palestinian militant group that governs the Gaza Strip; the Gaza conflict began on 7 October 2023 with Hamas's attacks on Israel; the West Asia conflict has had significant global ramifications including oil price spikes, maritime security disruptions (Iran-US conflict, Iran-US ceasefire June 2026), and global shipping disruptions; the US-led Board of Peace reflects the expanded US diplomatic role in West Asia following the Iran-US ceasefire of June 2026; this development is significant for India as it holds 4,300 UN peacekeepers in 10 active missions globally.
• Saudi Arabia to Lead Multinational Maritime-Defence Coalition Protecting Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait Routes – Saudi Arabia announced plans on 30 July 2026 to establish a multinational maritime-defence coalition to protect international shipping and energy routes in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb Strait, and Gulf of Aden. Fourteen countries including Pakistan, Türkiye, Egypt, Sudan, and Djibouti supported the initiative. Saudi Arabia will lead and host the coalition. Exam importance: The Red Sea is one of the world's most critical maritime trade routes, connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean via the Suez Canal; approximately 12-15% of global trade passes through the Red Sea; the Bab el-Mandeb Strait ('Gate of Grief' in Arabic) is a key chokepoint separating Yemen (Asia) from Djibouti and Eritrea (Africa); this coalition mirrors the existing Combined Maritime Forces (CMF) framework and the EU's Operation Aspides launched in 2024 amid Houthi attacks on Red Sea shipping; India's Operation Sankalp protects Indian-flagged vessels in the Gulf of Oman and Arabian Sea.

Economy & Banking

• Favara-UPI Cross-Border Payment Corridor Between Maldives and India Becomes Operational – The Favara-UPI cross-border payment corridor between the Maldives and India became operational on 30 July 2026. The integration connects the Maldives Instant Payment System (Favara) with India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Customers of participating Maldivian banks can transfer funds in real time to UPI-enabled Indian bank accounts, supporting faster remittances, family-maintenance payments, and digital financial cooperation. Exam importance: Favara is the Maldives' real-time digital payment system launched in 2023 by the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA); the Maldives has approximately 25,000 Indian workers and significant Indian tourist traffic; India-Maldives bilateral relations are governed by the India-Maldives Friendship Treaty; the integration makes the Maldives the 10th country after UAE, Singapore, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, France, Cambodia, and Seychelles where UPI is live; NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) manages UPI's global rollout; India has signed MoUs with 24+ nations for UPI expansion.
• India Climbs 25 Places to 57th in Competere Foundation's Global Competitiveness Ranking – On July 30, 2026, India improved its position from 82nd to 57th in a global competitiveness and reform ranking released by the Competere Foundation. The 25-place rise was attributed to improvements in structural reforms, competition-oriented policies, and the overall business environment. Exam importance: The Competere Foundation is an international think tank focused on regulatory reform, competition policy, and economic governance; the ranking assesses economies on structural reforms, competition law enforcement, investment climate, and regulatory quality; India's significant jump reflects: improvements in ease of doing business (following DPIIT's BRAP reforms), enhanced competition policy enforcement by CCI, and reduced corporate tax rates; India also improved to 94th on the UN SDG Index 2026 (covered in earlier CA on 4 July 2026).

Science & Technology

• IN-SPACe Issues Guidelines for Planned Re-Entry of Space Objects – The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued guidelines on 23 July 2026 governing the planned atmospheric re-entry of space objects. Operators must obtain prior IN-SPACe approval, maintain the probability of human casualty below 1 in 10,000, and accept liability for damage. The framework applies to Indian entities and foreign operators working through Indian companies, promoting safer private-sector space operations. Exam importance: Space debris and uncontrolled re-entry are growing concerns given the rapid commercialisation of LEO (Low Earth Orbit); the guidelines align with the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) guidelines for long-term sustainability of outer space activities; India's Space Policy 2023 empowers IN-SPACe to regulate private space activities; IN-SPACe Chairperson: Pawan Goenka; this is one of the world's first national frameworks specifically addressing planned space object re-entry for private sector operators.
• Hindustan Shipyard Limited Delivers INS Nipun - Second Diving Support Vessel - to Indian Navy – Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam delivered 'Nipun', the second indigenously built Diving Support Vessel (DSV), to the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam on 31 July 2026. The vessel is equipped to support deep-sea diving, underwater inspection, salvage operations, and submarine-rescue missions, enhancing the Navy's underwater maintenance, emergency-response, and deep-sea operational capabilities. Exam importance: HSL (Hindustan Shipyard Limited) is a CPSE under the Ministry of Defence; HQ: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh; HSL is the only shipyard in India with submarine-building experience (Sindhughosh-class INS Sindhukirti); the first DSV was INS Nireekshak; Diving Support Vessels are critical for submarine rescue, mine clearance, and underwater infrastructure maintenance; INS Nipun enhances India's Submarine Rescue Vehicle (SRV) capabilities; CNS: Admiral Krishna Swaminathan.

Defence

• ACC Appoints Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services – The Union Government appointed Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) effective 31 August 2026. He was serving as Director General Medical Services (Air) of the Indian Air Force at the time of appointment and will succeed Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin following her retirement as the first woman DGAFMS. Exam importance: The DGAFMS is the head of integrated medical services of all three armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force); the Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) provides medical support to the Indian military; Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin was the first woman DGAFMS, a landmark appointment; the AFMS operates command hospitals, military hospitals, and medical establishments across India and in field deployments.

Sports

• India Wins First Commonwealth Games Judo Golds in Glasgow 2026 - Harsh Singh and Asmita Dey Triumph – On 31 July 2026, India won its first-ever Commonwealth Games gold medals in judo at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games. Harsh Singh defeated Australia's Joshua Katz in the men's 60 kg final, becoming the first Indian male judoka to win Commonwealth gold. Asmita Dey secured the women's 48 kg title after winning her final through the Golden Score period. Exam importance: Judo was re-included in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games programme after being dropped from CWG 2018 and 2022; these are India's first-ever CWG judo gold medals; India's CWG 2026 medal tally continues to grow with golds across shooting (Rudrankksh Patil team, Divyansh Singh Panwar, Arjun Babuta), boxing (Lovlina Borgohain), and now judo; the Glasgow 2026 CWG concludes on 2 August 2026; International Judo Federation (IJF) HQ: Budapest, Hungary.
• Ajinkya Rahane Announces Retirement from International Cricket – Former Indian Test captain Ajinkya Rahane announced his retirement from international cricket on 30 July 2026. His international career spanned nearly a decade and a half, with Rahane especially remembered for captaining India during its historic Test-series victory in Australia in 2020-21 (Gabba Test) and for his calm leadership and dependable middle-order batting. Exam importance: Ajinkya Rahane (born 6 June 1988, Ashwi Khurd, Maharashtra) played 82 Tests, 90 ODIs, and 20 T20Is for India; his Test average: 38.51 with 5 centuries and 24 half-centuries; he scored a crucial century in the Boxing Day Test at Melbourne (December 2020), leading India to a remarkable series win in Australia 2020-21; he played for Mumbai in domestic cricket and was a key part of the KKR IPL 2024 championship squad as captain; BCCI Secretary: Devajit Saikia; this is a significant sporting retirement for 2026 alongside S. Janaki (July 13), Jaspal Rana (June 2026), and Neymar Jr. (FIFA WC 2026).

Obituary

• Former Chief of Army Staff General Vishwa Nath Sharma Passes Away at 96 – Former Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Vishwa Nath Sharma passed away in New Delhi on 31 July 2026 at the age of 96 due to natural causes. He served as the 14th Army Chief from 1 May 1988 to 30 June 1990 and was commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry in 1950 - making him the first post-Independence commissioned officer to become Army Chief. Exam importance: Under Gen. Sharma's tenure as COAS, India conducted Operation Pawan in Sri Lanka (Indian Peace Keeping Force, 1987-1990); he oversaw the de-induction of the IPKF; he received the Param Vishisht Seva Medal (PVSM) and Ati Vishisht Seva Medal (AVSM); his biography traces India's post-Independence Army history; PM Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh expressed condolences; India's current COAS: General Dhiraj Seth (31st COAS, assumed charge 1 July 2026).

Important Days

• 1 August - World Breastfeeding Week (WBW 2026) - Day 1 (1-7 August) – World Breastfeeding Week (WBW) is observed annually from 1 to 7 August to promote breastfeeding and improve the health of babies worldwide. The 2026 theme is "Empowering Parents, Enabling Breastfeeding." Exam importance: WBW was established by the World Alliance for Breastfeeding Action (WABA) in 1991; first observed from 1-7 August 1992; the week commemorates the Innocenti Declaration of August 1990; UNICEF and WHO jointly promote WBW; the UN endorses breastfeeding as a sustainable development goal measure (linked to SDG 2 - Zero Hunger, SDG 3 - Good Health); India's rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months is approximately 63.7% (NFHS-5); the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare promotes breastfeeding under the Mother's Absolute Affection (MAA) programme, launched in 2016.
• 1 August - World Lung Cancer Day 2026 – World Lung Cancer Day is observed annually on 1 August to spread awareness about lung-cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. It highlights major risk factors such as tobacco use, passive smoking, air pollution, and occupational exposure to harmful substances, and encourages people with persistent respiratory symptoms to seek medical advice. Exam importance: The International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC) and the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS) co-sponsor World Lung Cancer Day; lung cancer is the world's leading cause of cancer death (both in number of cases and deaths); in India, lung cancer accounts for approximately 6.9% of all cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer deaths (NCDIR 2022 data); tobacco (cigarettes, bidis, chewing tobacco) is India's largest preventable health risk; India's Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA), 2003 regulates tobacco product display and advertising; National Cancer Awareness Day in India is observed on 7 November.
• Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day 2026 - 31 July – Shaheed Udham Singh Martyrdom Day was observed on 31 July 2026 to commemorate the revolutionary Indian freedom fighter who was executed on 31 July 1940 in Pentonville Prison, London, UK. Udham Singh is remembered for assassinating former Punjab Lieutenant Governor Michael O'Dwyer in London on 13 March 1940 to avenge the Jallianwala Bagh massacre (13 April 1919). Commemorative marches and cultural programmes were organised across Punjab and India to honour his legacy. Exam importance: Udham Singh (born 26 December 1899, Sunam, Punjab) was a Ghadar Party revolutionary; Michael O'Dwyer was Punjab's Lt. Governor during the Jallianwala Bagh massacre and had endorsed Brigadier General Reginald Dyer's orders; Udham Singh's remains were repatriated to India from the UK in 1974; he is revered in Punjab as "Shaheed-i-Azam" (Great Martyr); the National Martyrs Memorial, Jallianwala Bagh, Amritsar, commemorates the massacre; Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Act, 1951 established the Jallianwala Bagh National Memorial Trust.