Current affairs — 9 August 2026

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 position in the Indian Air Force hierarchy responsible for operational planning and strategic coordination.

Why it matters: Defence appointments, especially at the rank of Deputy Chief level, are important for current affairs and defence-related exams

Smt Alka Nangia Arora takes charge as Controller General of Defence Accounts

Smt Alka Nangia Arora assumed charge as the Controller General of Defence Accounts (CGDA) on August 1, 2026. She is an officer of the Indian Defence Accounts Service (IDAS) and will lead the Defence Accounts Department under the Ministry of Defence, responsible for audit, payment, and accounts of defence expenditure.

Why it matters: CGDA is a key financial position in defence administration; appointments to constitutional/statutory posts are exam staples

RBI keeps Repo Rate unchanged at 5.25% in August 2026 Monetary Policy

The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% on August 5, 2026, while maintaining a 'Neutral' stance. The RBI raised FY27 GDP growth forecast to 6.7% from 6.6% and lowered inflation projection to 5.0%. Retail inflation rose to 4.4% in June 2026 after remaining below target for 16 consecutive months.

Why it matters: MPC decisions on repo rate, GDP projections, and inflation forecasts are frequently asked in Banking and SSC exams

India appoints new Ambassador to Iran amid West Asia tensions

India appointed a new Ambassador to Iran with the Ministry of External Affairs issuing an official statement on August 3, 2026. The appointment comes at a significant time for India-Iran strategic and trade relations amidst the evolving security situation in West Asia, particularly concerning the safety of commercial shipping routes along the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters: India-Iran relations, West Asia crisis, and Chabahar Port connectivity are important for International Relations section

8th Pay Commission extends data collection deadline to July 31, 2026

The 8th Pay Commission has extended the deadline for Ministries, Departments, and Union Territories to submit employee and workforce data through its online portal till July 31, 2026. The Commission, formally constituted on November 3, 2025, is in the consultation stage gathering inputs from stakeholders. Employee organizations have proposed a fitment factor of up to 3.83.

Why it matters: Pay Commission details, fitment factors, and implementation timelines are important for governance and economy sections

DA increased from 58% to 60% 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 increase is separate from the 8th Pay Commission recommendations which are still under consultation.

Why it matters: DA hikes directly impact lakhs of central government employees and pensioners; percentage rates are frequently tested

J&K Government to fill over 30,000 vacancies in 2026

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced on February 20, 2026 that the government is committed to filling over 30,000 vacancies in a time-bound manner during 2026. The vacancies span various government departments including field-level posts arising from retirements, promotions, and resignations.

Why it matters: Large recruitment announcement for J&K; indicates post-Article 370 administrative normalization and employment focus

Over 20,000 Central Government vacancies active across departments

As of August 8, 2026, over 20,265 vacancies are active across central government organizations including UPSC (828 vacancies), Indian Army (390 vacancies), RBI (125 vacancies), SBI (38 vacancies), and other departments through various recruitment notifications for posts ranging from Group C to specialist officers.

Why it matters: Major recruitment drives with vacancy counts motivate aspirants and indicate government employment opportunities

Rajasthan announces 24,752 Safai Karamchari vacancies

The Department of Local Self Government, Rajasthan invited applications for 24,752 Safai Karamchari posts. Eligible candidates can apply online from August 15, 2026 to September 28, 2026. This is one of the largest state-level recruitment drives in 2026.

Why it matters: Large-scale state government recruitments indicate employment generation efforts; Swachh Bharat Mission implementation

SBI announces recruitment for 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies

State Bank of India (SBI) has announced recruitment for 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies in 2026. The posts are open for graduates across India with applications being accepted through the official SBI careers portal. SBI also announced 120 Specialist Cadre Officer positions separately.

Why it matters: SBI is India's largest public sector bank; its recruitment drives are among the most competitive banking exams

UPSC announces 828 vacancies for Principal positions

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced recruitment for 828 positions of Principal and equivalent posts across various central government departments and institutions. The notification is part of UPSC's Annual Exam Calendar for Year 2027 recruitment cycle.

Why it matters: UPSC recruitment notifications indicate high-level administrative and academic opportunities in central government

Vibrant Villages Programme for Border Development Approved

The Government of India has approved the Centrally Sponsored Scheme 'Vibrant Villages Programme' for comprehensive development of villages in 46 border blocks of 19 districts in 4 States (Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttarakhand) and Ladakh UT, abutting the northern border.

Why it matters: Border area development schemes are important for Internal Security and Government Schemes sections in UPSC/State PSC