UPSC Current Affairs — 3 August 2026
7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →
Manual Scavenging Eliminated in Latest Survey
Why in news: Government announced latest MS Act 2013 survey results showing zero cases of manual scavenging.
A new survey conducted under the MS Act, 2013 found no instances of manual scavenging, according to government data. This marks progress in India's efforts to eliminate this practice, which has long been a marker of caste-based discrimination and social inequality. The survey represents an ongoing implementation of constitutional commitments to eradicate the practice.
Samudra Manthan: ₹84,000 crore deep-sea energy exploration approved
Why in news: Union Cabinet approved major programme for deep-sea oil and gas exploration.
The Union Cabinet approved an ₹84,008-crore Samudra Manthan programme to accelerate deep-sea oil and gas exploration. The programme aims to strengthen India's energy security and oil and gas sector development. Simultaneously, the Cabinet extended the PM-Kisan scheme for another five years, supporting agricultural income support initiatives.
Assam Floods: 1.35 Lakh Still Affected; Death Toll Reaches 85
Why in news: Ongoing flood crisis in Assam with significant displacement and casualties reported.
Assam remains gripped by flood crisis with 1.35 lakh people still affected, and 85 deaths recorded. Sivasagar district is the worst-hit with over 55,000 affected, followed by Charaideo with 40,000 and Jorhat with 22,000 people. The scale of displacement underscores ongoing challenges in disaster response and rehabilitation in the Northeast.
Climate heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually
Why in news: World Bank report warns extreme heat could reduce South Asia's GDP by 7% by 2050.
According to World Bank data, extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs every year. Without adaptation measures, the report projects rising heat could reduce South Asia's GDP by nearly 7 per cent by 2050—the steepest projected loss among all developing regions globally. This poses significant risks to India's development trajectory under Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
Gross GST Collections rise 15.4% to ₹2.11 trillion in July
Why in news: Strong GST revenue growth reported for July 2026.
Gross GST collections surged 15.4 per cent to ₹2.11 trillion in July. After adjusting for refunds, net GST collections rose 15.8 per cent year-on-year to ₹1.81 trillion. The robust growth reflects improved compliance and economic activity across indirect tax collection.
SC-led Innovation Strengthens India's Defence Electronics Ecosystem
Why in news: VCF-SC programme enhances defence sector innovation through scheduled caste leadership.
The VCF-SC (Venture Capital Fund for SC enterprises) has strengthened India's defence electronics ecosystem by supporting Scheduled Caste-led innovation in critical technologies. Through backing what are termed 'Trishankhu technologies'—transitional or emerging defence tech—the fund is building capacity in the domestic defence industrial base while advancing social equity in innovation leadership.
Cauvery Water Row: Karnataka releases water to Tamil Nadu from Kabini
Why in news: Karnataka government released Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu following monsoon rains.
Owing to recent rainfall, the Karnataka government began releasing Cauvery water from the Kabini reservoir to Tamil Nadu. This development follows the longstanding Cauvery dispute between the two states and represents a natural easing of water availability pressure during the monsoon season.
Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint
- Zero
- Several hundred
- Over 1,000
- Data not disclosed
Show answer
The government announced that the new MS Act 2013 survey found no instances of manual scavenging, marking the elimination of the practice.
- ₹50,000 crore
- ₹74,008 crore
- ₹84,008 crore
- ₹94,000 crore
Show answer
The Union Cabinet approved an ₹84,008-crore Samudra Manthan programme for accelerating deep-sea oil and gas exploration.
- Charaideo
- Sivasagar
- Jorhat
- Nagaon
Show answer
Sivasagar is the worst-hit district with over 55,000 people affected, followed by Charaideo with 40,000 and Jorhat with 22,000.
- 15 million
- 25 million
- 31 million
- 40 million
Show answer
The World Bank report states that extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs every year, with projections of 7% GDP loss by 2050 without adaptation.
- 12.5%
- 15.4%
- 15.8%
- 18.2%
Show answer
After adjusting for refunds, net GST collections rose 15.8 per cent year-on-year to ₹1.81 trillion in July 2026.
Syllabus-tagged current affairs every morning in the app — English and Hindi, free.
Open UPSCGenie free →