Current Affairs – 7 August 2026: Stay updated with today’s most important current affairs for APSC CCE, UPSC CSE, ADRE, and other Central & State Government examinations. This daily compilation covers exam-relevant national, international, Assam, economy, polity, governance, environment, science & technology, social issues, and government schemes. Each topic is presented with syllabus connection, key exam points, Prelims facts, and Mains-oriented insights to help you prepare effectively for every stage of the examination.
Table of Contents
Economy
Lok Sabha Passes Bill Enabling Government to Permit Charges on UPI Transactions
Syllabus Connection
APSC CCE
- Prelims: Indian Economy, Banking & Financial Institutions
- GS Paper III:Inclusive Growth, Digital Economy, Financial Sector
UPSC
- GS Paper III:Inclusive Growth, Digital Economy, Financial Sector
Why in News
The Lok Sabha has passed an amendment to the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, empowering the Central Government to notify electronic payment modes on which banks and payment service providers may levy charges, including Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on UPI and other notified digital payment systems.
Key Exam Points
- The amendment modifies the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007.
- It authorises the Central Government to notify electronic payment modes on which charges may be levied.
- The amendment does not automatically impose charges on UPI; it only provides the legal framework for the government to permit such charges through future notifications.
- The proposal seeks to remove the existing legal restriction on levying Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on notified electronic payment modes.
- The government argues that a sustainable revenue model is required for banks, payment service providers (PSPs) and digital payment infrastructure.
- The amendment forms part of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Infrastructure
Union Cabinet Approves Guwahati–Tezpur NH-15 Corridor
Syllabus Connection
APSC CCE
- Prelims: National Highways, Road Infrastructure, Government Programmes
- GS Paper V: Infrastructure Development, Transport & Connectivity
UPSC
- GS Paper III: Infrastructure (Roads, Highways, Logistics)
Why in News
The Union Cabinet has approved the construction of the 135.87 km, four-lane access-controlled Guwahati–Tezpur Corridor on National Highway-15 (NH-15). The project aims to improve connectivity, reduce travel time, strengthen logistics and promote economic development in Assam and the North-East.
Key Exam Points
- The project has been approved by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA).
- It will be developed under the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Toll model as part of the National Highways (Original) Programme.
- The corridor is designed as a greenfield, access-controlled highway, enabling safer and faster movement of vehicles.
- It is expected to reduce travel time between Guwahati and Tezpur significantly, improving regional connectivity.
- The corridor will enhance connectivity to industrial, tourism, social and logistics hubs in Assam and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh.
- A 4.9-km Emergency Landing Facility (ELF) is planned on the Tezpur Bypass in coordination with the Indian Air Force, strengthening strategic infrastructure.
- The project includes multiple bypasses to reduce congestion in major urban settlements.
- Wildlife-friendly infrastructure, including an elephant underpass, has been incorporated to reduce human–wildlife conflict and improve ecological connectivity.
Union Cabinet Approves National GOBARdhan Scheme to Boost Compressed Biogas Production
Syllabus Connection
APSC CCE
- Prelims: Environment, Renewable Energy, Government Schemes
- GS Paper III: Environment, Sustainable Development, Energy Security
UPSC
- GS Paper III: Environment, Energy Security, Climate Change, Waste Management
Why in News
The Union Cabinet has approved the National GOBARdhan Scheme with an outlay of ₹23,731 crore to accelerate the production of Compressed Biogas (CBG). The scheme aims to convert agricultural and municipal organic waste into clean fuel, promoting energy security, sustainable waste management and a circular economy.
Key Exam Points
- GOBARdhan stands for Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan.
- The scheme aims to significantly increase domestic production of Compressed Biogas (CBG) using organic waste.
- Feedstock includes:
- Agricultural residue
- Cattle dung
- Sugar industry waste (press mud)
- Municipal organic waste
- Other biodegradable biomass
- City Gas Distribution (CGD) companies will procure CBG to meet mandatory blending targets:
- 3% in FY 2027
- 4% in FY 2028
- 5% from FY 2029 onwards
- The scheme provides:
- Capital assistance for eligible projects
- Pipeline connectivity for CBG transportation
- Credit support for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs)
- Incentives for feedstock aggregation and technology adoption
- The initiative builds upon the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation (SATAT) programme.
ASSAM RELATED
Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina & Nijut Babu Schemes Expanded
Syllabus ConnectionAPSC CCE- Prelims: Assam Government Schemes
- GS Paper V: Social Sector Initiatives, Women & Child Development, Education
UPSC- GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Education
APSC CCE- Prelims: Assam Government Schemes
- GS Paper V: Social Sector Initiatives, Women & Child Development, Education
UPSC- GS Paper II: Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections, Education
Why in News
The Assam Government has launched the distribution of application forms for the Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme and Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme. The government has also expanded the coverage of the Nijut Moina Scheme to include girl students pursuing polytechnic courses and those in the seventh semester of integrated postgraduate programmes.
Key Exam Points
- Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Moina Scheme
- A flagship Assam Government scheme to encourage girls to continue higher education.
- Aims to reduce child marriage by promoting educational continuity.
- Provides financial assistance to eligible girl students.
- Recent Expansion
- Girl students enrolled in polytechnic courses are now eligible.
- Students in the seventh semester of integrated postgraduate programmes have also been included.
- Mukhya Mantrir Nijut Babu Scheme
- Introduced to encourage boys to pursue higher education.
- Seeks to improve enrolment and reduce dropout rates among male students.
- Beneficiaries are required to maintain regular attendance, discipline and satisfactory academic performance.
Disease Prevention Measures in Flood-Affected Areas
Syllabus Connection
APSC CCE
- GS Paper V: Public Health, Disaster Management
UPSC
- GS Paper III: Disaster Management
Why in News
The Assam Government has intensified health interventions in flood-affected districts by deploying medical teams and organising health camps to prevent disease outbreaks.
Key Exam Points
- Medical teams from government medical colleges have been deployed in affected districts.
- Priority has been given to preventing:
- Water-borne diseases.
- Vector-borne diseases.
- Skin infections associated with prolonged exposure to floodwaters.
- The Public Health Engineering Department (PHED) is coordinating the supply of safe drinking water and sanitation measures.
- Mental health support, including psychiatric and psychological services, has been included as part of the disaster response.
- Disease surveillance and early medical intervention are essential components of post-flood public health management.
357th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Battle of Alaboi Observed
Syllabus Connection
APSC CCE
- Prelims: History of Assam, Ahom Kingdom
- GS Paper V: History of Assam, Cultural Heritage
UPSC
- Limited relevance (State-specific history)
Why in News
The 357th martyrdom anniversary of the Battle of Alaboi (1669) was observed as Alaboi Ron Smriti Divas in Assam to commemorate the sacrifice of the Ahom warriors who laid down their lives defending the Ahom kingdom against the Mughal forces.
Key Exam Points
- The Battle of Alaboi was fought on 5 August 1669 near present-day Guwahati.
- It was fought between the Ahom Kingdom and the Mughal Empire during the Ahom–Mughal conflicts.
- The battle resulted in the martyrdom of thousands of Ahom soldiers and is remembered as one of the greatest sacrifices in Assam’s history.
- The battle took place before the Battle of Saraighat (1671), where the Ahoms, under Lachit Borphukan, decisively defeated the Mughal forces.
- Alaboi Ron Smriti Divas is observed annually to honour the bravery and sacrifice of the Ahom warriors.
- The Alaboi Ron Smriti Khetra serves as a memorial dedicated to the martyrs of the battle.
Sources
Most of the news and current affairs covered in this article are based on reports published by The Assam Tribune, one of Assam’s leading newspapers. To ensure accuracy and provide additional context, information has also been cross-verified with official notifications, press releases, and publications issued by the Government of India, the Government of Assam, the Press Information Bureau (PIB), PRS Legislative Research, and other official government websites wherever applicable. We encourage readers to refer to the original sources for a more comprehensive understanding of the topics and to stay informed about the latest official updates.
Disclaimer
The content published on ijinsights is intended solely for educational and examination purposes. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented is accurate, up-to-date, and based on credible sources available at the time of publication. However, official policies, notifications, data, and regulations may change over time.
Readers are strongly encouraged to verify important facts, official notifications, and policy updates through the respective government websites, official publications, or original source documents. ijinsights summarizes information to make learning easier for competitive exam aspirants and should not be treated as a substitute for official notifications or legal documents.
While every reasonable effort is made to maintain accuracy, ijinsights shall not be held responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from the use of the information provided in this article. We encourage readers to consult the original sources whenever accuracy or official confirmation is essential.
