UPSC Current Affairs — 2 August 2026
7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →
Cabinet approves ₹84,008-crore Samudra Manthan for deep-sea exploration
Why in news: Union Cabinet approved an ambitious deep-sea oil and gas exploration programme alongside PM-Kisan extension.
The Union Cabinet approved an ₹84,008-crore programme named Samudra Manthan to accelerate deep-sea oil and gas exploration. The same cabinet meeting extended the PM-Kisan scheme for another five years, aimed at strengthening India's economic resilience. This reflects government focus on both energy security and agricultural support.
GST collections surge 15.4% to ₹2.11 trillion in July
Why in news: Latest monthly GST data shows sustained tax revenue growth momentum.
Gross GST collections in July reached ₹2.11 trillion, marking a 15.4% year-on-year increase. After adjusting for refunds, net GST collections rose 15.8% to ₹1.81 trillion, indicating robust tax collection performance and sustained economic activity across sectors.
Extreme heat threatens South Asia's GDP by 7% by 2050—World Bank
Why in news: World Bank report warns of heat-driven job losses and potential GDP contraction in South Asia.
A World Bank report warns that extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually. Without adaptation measures, rising heat could reduce South Asia's GDP by close to 7 per cent by 2050—the steepest projected loss for any developing region globally. This poses a direct threat to India's Viksit Bharat 2047 development agenda.
India climbs 25 places in global competitiveness ranking
Why in news: World Economic Forum's latest Global Competitiveness Index reflects India's structural economic reforms.
India improved its position by 25 places in the global competitiveness ranking, driven by a series of domestic economic reforms including GST implementation, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), improved business environment, and enhanced trade facilitation measures. This reflects the impact of institutional and regulatory reforms on India's competitive positioning.
NH-48 Shahjahānpur toll plaza deploys multi-lane free-flow FASTag system
Why in news: NHAI successfully launches modernized toll collection technology on Delhi-Jaipur highway section.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) successfully commissioned a multi-lane free-flow tolling system at Shahjahānpur toll plaza on the NH-48 Delhi-Jaipur section. This technology modernizes toll collection by eliminating the need for vehicles to stop, improving traffic flow and user convenience on a major national highway corridor.
Fifth diving support vessel DSC A24 launched for Indian Navy
Why in news: Indigenously-built diving support vessel added to Navy's operational fleet.
The DSC A24 (Yard-329), a diving support vessel and the fifth of its class, was successfully launched as part of India's diving support ship project. This vessel enhances the Indian Navy's capacity for underwater operations and maritime search-and-rescue missions, demonstrating India's shipbuilding capability.
J&K accelerates Forest Rights Act implementation; halts eviction notices
Why in news: Jammu & Kashmir government prioritizes FRA implementation after months of tension with Forest Department over evictions.
The J&K government has accelerated implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and warned the Forest Department against issuing eviction notices, following disputes over eviction operations in Jammu areas including Sunjwan, Bathindi, Raika, and Sidhra. This signals a policy shift toward recognizing forest dwellers' constitutional rights over bureaucratic land control mechanisms.
Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint
- ₹64,000 crore
- ₹74,000 crore
- ₹84,008 crore
- ₹94,000 crore
Show answer
According to the brief, the Union Cabinet approved an ₹84,008-crore programme named Samudra Manthan for deep-sea oil and gas exploration.
- 12.4%
- 15.4%
- 18.4%
- 20.4%
Show answer
The brief states that gross GST collections in July reached ₹2.11 trillion, marking a 15.4% year-on-year increase.
- 11 million jobs
- 21 million jobs
- 31 million jobs
- 41 million jobs
Show answer
The brief cites the World Bank report stating that extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually.
- GST implementation
- Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
- Trade facilitation measures
- Universal Basic Income scheme
Show answer
The brief lists GST, IBC, business environment improvements, and trade facilitation as reform drivers—Universal Basic Income is not mentioned as a factor in India's competitiveness improvement.
- Manual toll collection with card system
- Multi-lane free-flow FASTag system
- Checkpoint-based verification system
- Vehicle registration-linked toll system
Show answer
The brief states that NHAI commissioned a multi-lane free-flow tolling system at Shahjahānpur toll plaza, which eliminates the need for vehicles to stop and improves traffic flow.
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