Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (1st August, 2026) |

National News

Indian Railways Transports First Live Donor Heart Through Vande Bharat

Indian Railways successfully transported India’s first live donor heart by train on 31 July 2026.
The donor heart was carried on the Mumbai Central–Gandhinagar Capital Vande Bharat Express.
The organ was transported from Surat to Ahmedabad.
It was delivered to the U.N. Mehta Institute of Cardiology & Research Centre for transplantation.
Train No. 20901 ensured rapid transportation within the organ viability period.
A dedicated Green Corridor was created from Ahmedabad Railway Station to the hospital.
The operation was jointly coordinated by Indian Railways, Railway Protection Force (RPF), Gujarat State Police, medical teams, and transplant coordinators.
The mission highlighted the expanding role of railways in emergency medical logistics.
Key Fact: This was India’s first live donor heart transported by train, using the Vande Bharat Express.

State News

PM Modi Inaugurates Bhogapuram International Airport Boosting Andhra Pradesh Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport on 1 August 2026.
The airport is located at Bhogapuram, Vizianagaram district, Andhra Pradesh.
The project has been developed at a cost of ₹5,000 crore by the GMR Group.
Commercial flight operations will begin from 17 August 2026.
The first phase has an annual passenger handling capacity of 6 million, expandable to 40 million.
The airport is named after freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju.
It aims to improve domestic and international connectivity, tourism, exports, and employment.
During the visit, the Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹17,900 crore.
Key Fact: The airport has been developed by the GMR Group and will initially handle 6 million passengers annually.

Gujarat’s Sacred Pithora Painting Receives Geographical Indication Tag Recognition

Gujarat’s traditional Pithora Painting has received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
The art belongs to the Rathwa tribal community.
Pithora paintings are traditionally created on inner walls of homes as offerings to Baba Pithora.
The murals depict deities, horses, nature, village life, and spiritual symbols.
The GI Tag provides legal protection against unauthorized imitation.
Only artworks produced from the designated region can use the registered GI name.
The recognition will improve market access and income for tribal artisans.
It also helps preserve indigenous knowledge and tribal cultural heritage.
Key Fact: Pithora Painting is the sacred mural tradition of Gujarat’s Rathwa tribe.

International News

Republic of Naoero Restores Indigenous Identity Through Historic Constitutional Name Change

The Pacific nation Nauru has officially changed its name to the Republic of Naoero.
The decision was confirmed by President David Adeang on 31 July 2026.
The name change followed a constitutional amendment approved in May 2026.
The move aims to restore the country’s indigenous identity and cultural heritage.
The United Nations was informed on 26 June 2026.
The country’s short name is now Naoero.
The country code NRO remains unchanged.
Citizens will now be known as dei-Naoero.
Key Fact: Naoero is the traditional indigenous name of the country formerly known as Nauru.

Economy News

India’s July GST Collections Surge Fifteen Percent Amid Strong Economic Growth

India’s gross GST collection reached ₹2.11 lakh crore in July 2026.
Collections recorded a 15.4% year-on-year growth.
Domestic GST revenue increased to ₹1.45 lakh crore.
GST from imports rose 28.8% to ₹66,511 crore.
Net GST collections after refunds stood at ₹1.81 lakh crore.
Gross GST collection during April–July FY27 reached ₹8.43 lakh crore.
Haryana recorded the highest state-wise GST growth at 25%.
The increase reflects stronger compliance and economic activity.
Key Fact: Gross GST collection in July 2026 stood at ₹2.11 lakh crore.

India’s Fiscal Deficit Hits ₹3.1 Trillion During First Quarter FY27

India’s fiscal deficit reached ₹3.1 trillion during April–June FY27.
It accounted for 18.2% of the full-year fiscal deficit target.
The FY27 fiscal deficit target is ₹16.96 trillion.
Net tax revenue increased to ₹6.4 trillion.
Non-tax revenue rose to ₹3.8 trillion.
Total government expenditure reached ₹13.6 trillion.
Higher capital expenditure supported infrastructure development.
The government retained its fiscal deficit target of 4.3% of GDP.
Key Fact: Fiscal deficit during Q1 FY27 stood at ₹3.1 trillion (18.2% of annual target).

India’s Forex Reserves Climb To $682 Billion On Strong Assets

India’s foreign exchange reserves rose to $682.35 billion.
The data relates to the week ending 24 July 2026.
Reserves increased by $6.12 billion.
Foreign Currency Assets (FCA) increased to $555.93 billion.
Gold reserves rose by $1.31 billion.
SDR holdings declined to $18.62 billion.
India’s IMF Reserve Position fell to $4.75 billion.
Higher reserves strengthen India’s external financial stability.
Key Fact: India’s forex reserves reached $682.35 billion during the week ended 24 July 2026.

Appointments News

Varsha Aglawe Becomes First Woman Chief of Geological Survey India

Varsha Ashok Aglawe assumed charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
She became the first woman to head the 176-year-old Geological Survey of India.
She officially took charge on 31 July 2026.
Aglawe succeeded Asit Saha as GSI chief.
She joined GSI in 1992 after serving in the Indian Bureau of Mines.
Previously, she served as Additional Director General & Head of Department, Eastern Region, Kolkata.
She is a specialist in Palaeontology and Palynology.
She played a key role in identifying the Salbardi-Ghorpend dinosaur nesting site in Central India.
Key Fact: Varsha Ashok Aglawe is the first woman Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

K Rajaraman’s IFSCA Tenure Extended To Strengthen GIFT IFSC Growth

The Central Government extended K Rajaraman’s tenure as Chairperson of IFSCA.
His tenure has been extended until 24 October 2028.
The extension was notified by the Ministry of Finance on 30 July 2026.
Rajaraman originally assumed office in 2023.
He is a former Secretary, Department of Telecommunications.
IFSCA regulates financial services in GIFT International Financial Services Centre (GIFT IFSC).
The authority was established under the IFSCA Act, 2019.
His leadership aims to strengthen India’s position as a global financial hub.
Key Fact: IFSCA is India’s unified regulator for International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs).

Awards News

Ajit Doval Receives Lokmanya Tilak National Award For Security Service

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval received the Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026.
The award was presented on 1 August 2026 in Pune, Maharashtra.
It was conferred by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
The ceremony was organized by the Lokmanya Tilak Smarak Trust.
The award recognized Doval’s contribution to national security and strategic affairs.
Ajit Doval is a 1968-batch IPS officer.
He is India’s longest-serving National Security Adviser (NSA).
The award includes a citation, memento, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.
Key Fact: The Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026 was presented to Ajit Doval.

Defence News

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja Named India’s Next Military Medical Chief

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja has been appointed as the Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS).
He will assume office from 31 August 2026.
He succeeds Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin.
DGAFMS is the highest medical appointment in the Indian Armed Forces.
Earlier, he served as Director General Medical Services (Air).
He is an alumnus of AFMC Pune.
He holds a DM in Gastroenterology from AIIMS, New Delhi.
He has contributed to the Gaganyaan mission and BHISHM Cube initiative.
Key Fact: DGAFMS is the highest medical post in the Indian Armed Forces.

Air Marshal A K Bharti Retires After Distinguished IAF Service

Air Marshal A K Bharti retired from the Indian Air Force on 31 July 2026.
He served as the Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS).
Earlier, he was the Director General Air Operations (DGAO).
He played a major role during Operation Sindoor.
He became the public face of the tri-service media briefings.
Operation Sindoor was launched after the 2025 Pahalgam terror attack.
Before retirement, he paid tribute at the National War Memorial, New Delhi.
His career spanned several decades of distinguished military service.
Key Fact: Air Marshal A K Bharti served as Deputy Chief of Air Staff (DCAS) before retirement.

Science & Technology News

IBM And Sarvam Join Forces To Build India’s Sovereign AI Future

IBM and Indian AI startup Sarvam announced a strategic partnership.
The collaboration aims to develop Sovereign AI solutions for India.
It focuses on governments and regulated industries.
IBM will provide its Sovereign Core platform.
Sarvam will contribute multilingual AI and voice AI models.
The initiative emphasizes data security, AI governance, and compliance.
It targets sectors including banking, healthcare, and public services.
The partnership aims to accelerate large-scale AI adoption across India.
Key Fact: IBM will provide the Sovereign Core platform, while Sarvam will build India-focused AI models.

New Odisha Catfish Species Honours Legendary Tigress Khairi’s Conservation Legacy

Researchers discovered a new catfish species named Pseudolaguvia khairii.
The species was found in the Budhabalanga River, Odisha.
The discovery was published in Zootaxa on 26 July 2026.
The fish belongs to the genus Pseudolaguvia.
It has a unique fleshy protuberance near the dorsal fin.
The species is named after the famous tigress Khairi.
Khairi was raised by conservationist Saroj Raj Choudhury.
The discovery highlights the biodiversity of the Similipal landscape.
Key Fact: Pseudolaguvia khairii is named after Odisha’s iconic tigress Khairi.

Schemes News

PM-KISAN Scheme Extended Till 2030 With ₹3.15 Lakh Crore Support

The Union Cabinet approved the continuation of the PM-KISAN Scheme till 2030–31.
The scheme has a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore.
Eligible farmer families will continue receiving ₹6,000 annually.
The assistance is transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
Farmers receive the amount in three instalments of ₹2,000 each.
PM-KISAN was originally launched in 2019.
More than ₹4.47 lakh crore has been transferred through 23 instalments since launch.
The scheme supports farmers in purchasing seeds, fertilizers, irrigation, and farm inputs.
Key Fact: PM-KISAN provides ₹6,000 per year to eligible farmer families through DBT.

Cabinet Approves Samudra Manthan Offshore Energy Exploration Scheme

The Union Cabinet approved the Samudra Manthan National Offshore Exploration Scheme.
The scheme has a total outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
It will be implemented until FY 2030–31.
The scheme is an initiative of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
It focuses on offshore oil and gas exploration using advanced technologies.
The programme aims to discover over 600 MMTOE of hydrocarbon resources.
It supports deepwater exploration, seismic surveys, and offshore infrastructure.
The initiative will strengthen energy security and reduce import dependence.
Key Fact: The Samudra Manthan Scheme aims to discover 600+ MMTOE of hydrocarbon resources.

India Approves ₹36,441 Crore Sports Mission To Build Olympic Champions

The Union Cabinet approved the revamped Khelo India Scheme and enhanced support for National Sports Federations (ANSFs).
The combined outlay is ₹36,441 crore.
The scheme will run from 2026–27 to 2030–31.
It introduces Emerging Khelo India Athletes (E-KIAs).
The programme also includes Khelo India Feeder Schools and Utkrishta Vidyalayas.
A National Coach Accreditation Board will strengthen coaching standards.
The initiative promotes women athletes, para-athletes, sports science, and infrastructure.
A Unified Digital Sports Platform will improve transparency and athlete management.
Key Fact: The revamped Khelo India Scheme has an outlay of ₹36,441 crore.

India Launches ₹5,070 Crore Floating Solar Scheme For Clean Energy

The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY).
The scheme has a financial outlay of ₹5,070 crore.
It aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar projects.
The implementation period is FY 2026–27 to FY 2030–31.
Projects will be installed on reservoirs, lakes, dams, and inland water bodies.
Every project will include Energy Storage Systems (ESS).
The scheme targets 10,000 MWh of storage capacity.
The government will provide ₹1 crore per MW as Central Financial Assistance after commissioning.
Key Fact: PM Surya Sarovar Yojana (PM-SSY) aims to develop 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity.

Sports News

Tejaswin Shankar Creates History With India’s First Commonwealth Decathlon Medal

Tejaswin Shankar won the bronze medal in the men’s decathlon at the Commonwealth Games 2026.
He became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games medal in the decathlon.
He scored 7,976 points across the 10-discipline event.
He competed despite suffering from chronic patellar tendinitis.
Lindon Victor (Grenada) won the gold medal.
Damian Warner (Canada) secured the silver medal.
This is Tejaswin’s second Commonwealth Games medal after his 2022 high jump bronze.
He became the first Indian to win Commonwealth medals in two different athletics disciplines.
Key Fact: Tejaswin Shankar is the first Indian Commonwealth Games decathlon medalist.

Harsh Singh Becomes First Indian Man to Win Judo Gold

Harsh Singh won the gold medal in the men’s 60 kg judo event.
He defeated Joshua Katz of Australia in the final.
The victory came at the Commonwealth Games 2026 in Glasgow.
He became the first Indian man to win Commonwealth Games judo gold.
Harsh is 23 years old.
He is ranked among the Top 100 judokas by the International Judo Federation (IJF).
He has represented India at the Zagreb Grand Prix and Qazaqstan Barysy Grand Slam.
His victory marked India’s best-ever Commonwealth Games performance in judo.
Key Fact: Harsh Singh is the first Indian man to win Commonwealth Games judo gold.

Asmita Dey Wins India’s First Commonwealth Games Judo Gold Medal

Asmita Dey won the gold medal in the women’s 48 kg judo category.
She defeated Heidi Quach of Canada in the final.
The victory came through Golden Score.
She became the first Indian to win a Commonwealth Games judo gold medal.
She reached the final after defeating Eva Ewing and Sarah Adlington.
The achievement came at the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.
Her victory earned India its first judo medal of the Games.
The medal ended India’s long wait for a Commonwealth Games judo champion.
Key Fact: Asmita Dey became India’s first Commonwealth Games judo gold medalist.

Neeraj And Yash Vir Create Javelin History With Double Podium

Neeraj Chopra won the silver medal in the men’s javelin throw.
Yash Vir Singh secured the bronze medal.
India recorded its first-ever Commonwealth Games double podium in men’s javelin.
Neeraj threw a season-best 85.83 metres.
Yash Vir achieved a personal-best 85.41 metres.
Rumesh Pathirage of Sri Lanka won the gold medal.
He set a Games Record with a throw of 89.75 metres.
India’s medal tally reached 23 medals at the end of Day 8.
Key Fact: India achieved its first-ever Commonwealth Games double podium in men’s javelin throw.

Important Days News

World Lung Cancer Day Raises Awareness For Early Detection

World Lung Cancer Day is observed every year on 1 August.
The 2026 theme is “Together through Lung Cancer.”
The day promotes early detection, awareness, and prevention of lung cancer.
It encourages support for patients, caregivers, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
The observance highlights the importance of screening and timely diagnosis.
It also focuses on reducing stigma associated with lung cancer.
The campaign was first observed in 2012.
It is supported by organizations such as FIRS, IASLC, and CHEST.
Key Fact: The 2026 theme of World Lung Cancer Day is “Together through Lung Cancer.”

World Wide Web Day Celebrates Digital Connectivity Revolution

World Wide Web Day is observed annually on 1 August.
It celebrates the invention of the World Wide Web (WWW).
The WWW was invented by Sir Tim Berners-Lee in 1989.
It was developed at CERN.
The World Wide Web introduced technologies such as HTML, HTTP, and URLs.
The observance recognizes the role of the web in communication, education, healthcare, banking, and e-commerce.
It also promotes digital inclusion, cybersecurity, and responsible internet use.
The day highlights the continued evolution of the web through AI and emerging technologies.
Key Fact: Sir Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web in 1989.

Obituaries News

Former Army Chief General V.N. Sharma Passes Away at 95

Former Army Chief General Vishwa Nath (V.N.) Sharma passed away on 31 July 2026.
He served as the 14th Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
His tenure as Army Chief was from 1 May 1988 to 30 June 1990.
He became the first post-Independence commissioned officer to rise to the Army’s top position.
He was commissioned into the 16th Light Cavalry in 1950.
He played an important role during the 1987 Sumdorong Chu stand-off with China.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Army Chief General Dhiraj Seth paid tribute to him.
His last rites were held at Brar Square, Delhi Cantonment, on 1 August 2026.
Key Fact: General V.N. Sharma was the 14th Chief of the Army Staff.