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UPSC Current Affairs — 5 August 2026

7 syllabus-tagged briefs · 5-question sprint · sources named on every item. How this brief is made →

DDU-GKY 2.0 Review: Timely Implementation & Digital Reforms Pushed

Rural Development — Skill EnhancementGS2

Why in news: State Minister for Rural Development reviewed progress of DDU-GKY 2.0 scheme.

The State Minister for Rural Development, Dr. Pemmesani Chandrasekhar, reviewed the progress of the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0. The review emphasised the need for timely implementation and the integration of digital reforms within the scheme. The focus reflects the government's commitment to strengthening skill development in rural areas.

Coal Block Auctions: 15th Round & 13th Round (Attempt 2) Success

Energy — Resource ManagementGS3

Why in news: Six coal blocks successfully auctioned in commercial coal mining rounds.

The government successfully completed the 15th round of commercial coal mine auctions along with the second attempt of the 13th round, resulting in successful auctions of six coal blocks. These auctions are part of the government's privatisation strategy to increase domestic coal production and reduce import dependency.

PM-AGJAY Beneficiaries: 2.65 Lakh SC Students Gain Educational Access

Social Welfare — Scheduled CastesGS1

Why in news: Educational benefits delivered under PM-AGJAY in 17,067 model villages.

Under the Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana (PM-AGJAY), more than 2.65 lakh scheduled caste beneficiaries have received educational benefits across 17,067 model villages. The scheme demonstrates targeted outreach to disadvantaged communities in enhancing educational access and inclusive development.

Yuva Sangam Phase 7: Online Registration Begins August 4, 2026

Youth Engagement — Cultural ExchangeGS1

Why in news: Registration portal opened for the seventh phase of Yuva Sangam scheme.

Online registration for the seventh phase of Yuva Sangam commenced from August 4, 2026. The Yuva Sangam scheme facilitates youth engagement and cultural exchanges, fostering national integration and mutual understanding among young citizens.

National Handloom Day: President Awards Excellence in Weaving Sector

Culture & Heritage — Traditional IndustriesGS1

Why in news: President to present Handloom Awards 2025 on National Handloom Day (August 7).

The President will present Handloom Awards 2025 on August 7, National Handloom Day, recognizing outstanding achievements in India's handloom sector. The award ceremony celebrates the cultural and economic significance of traditional weaving industries and artisan communities.

Hexavalent Vaccine Could Streamline India's Immunisation Programme

Public Health — Immunisation PolicyGS2

Why in news: Study by Union Health Ministry recommends hexavalent vaccine for Universal Immunisation Programme.

A study conducted by the Union Health Ministry and partner organisations suggests introducing the hexavalent vaccine under the Universal Immunisation Programme could reduce the number of injections required. This would ease operational pressure on healthcare systems while maintaining immunisation coverage for children.

Cauvery Water Sharing: Karnataka & Tamil Nadu Need Distress Formula

Environment & Natural Resources — Inter-State Water DisputesGS1

Why in news: Editorial commentary on ongoing Cauvery river water-sharing disputes between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.

The inter-state dispute over Cauvery water allocation between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu remains unresolved. An editorial analysis suggests that the two states should work toward evolving a distress-sharing formula that accounts for variations in water availability and agricultural needs across seasons and years.

Test yourself: today's 5-question sprint

Q1. Which rural development scheme underwent a progress review emphasising timely implementation and digital reforms on August 5, 2026?
  1. Pradhan Mantri Adarsh Gram Yojana
  2. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0
  3. National Rural Livelihoods Mission
  4. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Show answer
✔ Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana 2.0
According to the brief, the State Minister for Rural Development reviewed the progress of DDU-GKY 2.0, emphasising timely implementation and digital reforms.
Q2. How many coal blocks were successfully auctioned across the 15th round and 13th round (Attempt 2) of commercial coal mining?
  1. Four coal blocks
  2. Eight coal blocks
  3. Six coal blocks
  4. Ten coal blocks
Show answer
✔ Six coal blocks
As per the brief, the government completed the 15th round and second attempt of the 13th round, resulting in successful auctions of six coal blocks.
Q3. Under PM-AGJAY, approximately how many scheduled caste beneficiaries received educational benefits across model villages?
  1. 1.5 lakh
  2. 2.65 lakh
  3. 3.5 lakh
  4. 4.2 lakh
Show answer
✔ 2.65 lakh
The brief states that more than 2.65 lakh scheduled caste beneficiaries have received educational benefits across 17,067 model villages under PM-AGJAY.
Q4. According to a Union Health Ministry study, what potential benefit could the hexavalent vaccine provide if introduced under the Universal Immunisation Programme?
  1. Increased vaccination rates by 50%
  2. Reduction in the number of injections required
  3. Complete elimination of all infectious diseases
  4. Elimination of the need for booster shots
Show answer
✔ Reduction in the number of injections required
The brief notes that introducing the hexavalent vaccine could reduce the number of injections required while maintaining immunisation coverage.
Q5. What does the editorial commentary on the Cauvery dispute suggest as a solution between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu?
  1. Complete dam construction across the river
  2. Equal water division in all seasons
  3. Evolution of a distress-sharing formula
  4. Interstate water authority formation only
Show answer
✔ Evolution of a distress-sharing formula
The brief indicates that the two states should evolve a distress-sharing formula that accounts for variations in water availability and agricultural needs across seasons.
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