Key current affairs developments for Monday, 31 August 2026 included India’s 7.8% Q1 GDP print, publication of Delhi’s SIR draft electoral roll, rejection of the Indus Waters Court of Arbitration award, commissioning of INS Nipun, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s SCO-side talks in Bishkek. The day’s most exam-relevant cluster is official data plus institutional positions — GDP and CGA accounts, the Election Commission’s SIR process, and India’s stated legal stance on the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty.

National & Policy

Delhi publishes SIR draft roll; 47.7 lakh electors left out

Delhi’s Chief Electoral Officer published the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) draft electoral roll on 31 August 2026. Of 1,45,10,299 electors, forms for about 67.18% (97.5 lakh) were digitised; 47.7 lakh were marked uncollectable under Absent, Shifted, Dead, Duplicate and Others (ASDDO) and do not appear in the draft. Claims can be filed through Form 6 till 30 September; the final roll is due 4 November. Source: Delhi CEO / PTI, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Exercise: Special Intensive Revision (SIR)
• Electors excluded from draft: 47.7 lakh
• Claims window: Form 6 till 30 September
• Final roll date: 4 November 2026

India rejects Hague Court of Arbitration award on Indus Waters Treaty

The Ministry of External Affairs rejected a 31 August 2026 award by the World Bank–constituted Court of Arbitration on interim measures and the status of the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960. India said the body was constituted in breach of the Treaty, that it has never appeared before it, and that the court has no jurisdiction over sovereign decisions. New Delhi reiterated that the Treaty remains in abeyance after the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack. Source: MEA, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Treaty: Indus Waters Treaty, 1960
• India’s position: Treaty remains in abeyance
• Forum rejected: Court of Arbitration, The Hague
• Trigger cited: Pahalgam attack, 22 April 2025

NBEMS schedules NEET-PG re-exam for 2,445 Jaipur candidates

The National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) announced a re-examination for 2,445 candidates whose NEET-PG 2026 paper was disrupted by an internal power failure at two Sitapura centres in Jaipur. The original test on 30 August saw 2,65,980 candidates appear and 2,63,535 complete it. The re-test is on 5 September 2026 at 3 pm in Jaipur. Source: NBEMS report, 31 August 2026; official statement not located at the time of writing

Exam Points:

• Conducting body: NBEMS
• Affected candidates: 2,445
• Re-exam date: 5 September 2026, 3 pm
• Original exam date: 30 August 2026

Economy & Banking

Real GDP grows 7.8% in Q1 of FY 2026–27

MoSPI released first-quarter national accounts on 31 August 2026. Real GDP (constant prices, base 2022–23) is estimated at ₹81.36 lakh crore, up 7.8% from ₹75.46 lakh crore a year earlier, above the RBI’s 7% Q1 projection. Nominal GDP grew 10.3% to ₹88.27 lakh crore. Real GVA rose 8.2% to ₹73.82 lakh crore. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Real GDP growth, Q1 FY27: 7.8%
• Nominal GDP growth: 10.3%
• Real GVA growth: 8.2%
• Base year: 2022–23

Fiscal deficit at 26.8% of FY27 target by July

Controller General of Accounts data released on 31 August 2026 put the Centre’s April–July fiscal deficit at ₹4.55 lakh crore, or 26.8% of the ₹16.96 lakh crore full-year Budget target (4.3% of GDP). The year-earlier ratio was 29.9%. Total expenditure was about ₹17.62 lakh crore (32.9% of BE); net tax revenue about ₹8.45 lakh crore. Source: CGA, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• April–July deficit: ₹4.55 lakh crore
• Share of FY27 target: 26.8%
• FY27 deficit target: 4.3% of GDP
• Authority: Controller General of Accounts

Services exports rise 13.4% to USD 38.25 billion in July

According to RBI data released on 31 August 2026, India’s services exports grew 13.4% year-on-year to USD 38.25 billion in July. Services imports rose 19.1% to USD 20.61 billion, leaving a surplus of about USD 17.65 billion. April–July services exports were USD 145 billion (provisional). Source: RBI, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• July services exports: USD 38.25 billion
• Year-on-year export growth: 13.4%
• July services imports: USD 20.61 billion
• April–July exports: USD 145 billion (provisional)

Science & Technology

Limited verified coverage for this category on 31 August 2026.

Defence & Security

Navy commissions diving support vessel INS Nipun in Mumbai

The Indian Navy commissioned INS Nipun, the second Nistar-class Diving Support Vessel, at Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, on 31 August 2026. Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Chief of the Naval Staff, presided. Designed and built by Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam, the ship supports saturation, air and heliox diving, remotely operated underwater systems, and submarine rescue, alongside sister ship INS Nistar. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Ship: INS Nipun, Nistar-class DSV
• Builder: Hindustan Shipyard Limited, Visakhapatnam
• Commissioned at: Naval Dockyard, Mumbai
• Role: Deep-sea diving and submarine rescue

International Affairs

Modi and Putin review Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership in Bishkek

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Vladimir Putin in Bishkek on 31 August 2026 on the margins of the 26th SCO Summit — their first meeting of 2026. They reviewed political, economic, defence, energy, space and people-to-people ties and welcomed the 27th India–Russia Inter-Governmental Commission held in Moscow on 24 August 2026. Modi said he looked forward to hosting Putin at the 18th BRICS Summit in India on 12–13 September 2026. Source: PMO, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Venue: Bishkek, 26th SCO Summit
• Partnership: Special and Privileged Strategic Partnership
• Next event: 18th BRICS Summit, 12–13 September 2026
• IGC meeting date: 24 August 2026, Moscow

Modi meets Iran’s President Pezeshkian; flags freedom of navigation

On the SCO sidelines in Bishkek, Prime Minister Modi held his first in-person talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. The two reviewed bilateral ties and West Asia developments. India restated that disputes should be settled through dialogue and diplomacy and that freedom of navigation and commerce must be protected, with civilians, commercial shipping and seafarers not to be harmed. Source: MEA, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Iranian President: Masoud Pezeshkian
• Meeting venue: Bishkek, SCO sidelines
• India’s line: dialogue and diplomacy
• Priority flagged: freedom of navigation

India, Brazil reaffirm USD 30 billion trade target by 2030

Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal co-chaired the 8th India–Brazil Trade Monitoring Mechanism in Brasília with Brazil’s Secretary of Foreign Trade Tatiana Lacerda Prazeres. Bilateral trade reached USD 15.07 billion in 2025–26; both sides restated the goal of USD 30 billion by 2030. They committed to early finalisation of India–MERCOSUR Terms of Reference after USD 20.84 billion in 2025 India–MERCOSUR trade, and discussed pharmaceutical market access under the February 2026 CDSCO–ANVISA MoU. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Forum: 8th India–Brazil TMM, Brasília
• 2025–26 bilateral trade: USD 15.07 billion
• 2030 trade target: USD 30 billion
• Bloc track: India–MERCOSUR PTA expansion

Environment & Ecology

Nepal flood toll continues to rise as India assists tunnel rescue

Snapshot as reported on 31 August 2026: Nepalese authorities cited a death toll in the high 700s to around 900 as bodies continued to be recovered after the 26 August ice-rock avalanche and flash floods on the Bhotekoshi–Trishuli corridor; figures were still changing through the day and are not treated as final. India’s specialised tunnel-rescue team was assisting at hydropower tunnel sites, after earlier HADR flights and an MEA control room for missing Indian nationals. Source: NDRRMA / MEA reporting via ANI and news wires, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Disaster began: 26 August 2026
• Corridor: Bhotekoshi–Trishuli
• Trigger reported: ice-rock avalanche
• India’s role: HADR and tunnel-rescue support

Sports

6th World Nomad Games open in Bishkek; Indian contingent of 87 takes part

Prime Minister Modi attended the opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games at Bishkek Arena on 31 August 2026. The Games run till 6 September in Kyrgyzstan, with main events around Issyk-Kul. India’s contingent had 87 members — 73 athletes, 10 cultural representatives and 4 in the scientific programme. Organisers said athletes from 104 countries registered; the programme lists 43 disciplines of traditional nomadic sport. Source: MEA / ANI, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Event: 6th World Nomad Games
• Dates: 31 August–6 September 2026
• Host: Kyrgyzstan (opening in Bishkek)
• Indian contingent: 87 members

Lionel Messi retires from international football

Argentina captain Lionel Messi announced on 31 August 2026 that he was retiring from international football. The 39-year-old finished with 125 goals in 207 appearances, including the 2022 World Cup title and a runner-up finish at the 2026 World Cup. He will continue at club level with Inter Miami. Source: BBC Sport / AP, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Country: Argentina
• Caps and goals: 207 matches, 125 goals
• World Cup winner: 2022
• Club continuation: Inter Miami

Vaibhav Sooryavanshi becomes youngest Duleep Trophy fifty-maker

15-year-old East Zone batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest player to score a half-century in the Duleep Trophy, making 92 off 81 balls against Central Zone in Bengaluru. He reached fifty in 42 balls, breaking a record held since 1969 by Laxman Singh. A hundred would have challenged Sachin Tendulkar’s mark as youngest Duleep centurion. Source: BCCI domestic reporting / IANS, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Record: youngest Duleep Trophy fifty
• Score: 92 off 81 balls
• Previous holder: Laxman Singh (1969)
• Match: East Zone vs Central Zone, Bengaluru

Awards, Appointments & Obituaries

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja takes over as DGAFMS

Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja, SM, VSM & Bar, assumed charge as Director General Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS) on 31 August 2026, succeeding Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on her retirement. An AFMC Pune alumnus commissioned in December 1986, he was previously Director General Medical Services (Air). The DGAFMS is the senior-most medical appointment across the three services. Source: Ministry of Defence / PIB (appointment notified 31 July 2026; charge assumed 31 August 2026)

Exam Points:

• Post: Director General Armed Forces Medical Services
• New incumbent: Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja
• Predecessor: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin
• Effective date: 31 August 2026

Government Schemes, Reports & Indices

Trial Index of Services Production shows broad June growth

MoSPI released the trial Index of Services Production (ISP) for June 2026 covering 19 sub-sectors (base 2024–25). Eight sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth; 18 were in positive territory. Real estate led at 24.7%, followed by retail trade (18%), wholesale trade (15.1%), administrative and support services (14.4%) and IT (13.5%). Air transport contracted by 6%. This was the third experimental monthly release. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Index: ISP, base year 2024–25
• Sub-sectors covered: 19
• Fastest June growth: Real estate, 24.7%
• Only contraction: Air transport, −6%

MoSPI releases National Accounts Statistics 2026

MoSPI published National Accounts Statistics – 2026 on 31 August 2026 for base year 2022–23. It gives detailed national income, production and expenditure estimates, including updated final estimates for 2022–23 and 2023–24 and first revised estimates for 2024–25, after incorporating the new PPI, IIP and Banking Services Price Index series. The volume is hosted on the MoSPI website. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Publication: National Accounts Statistics – 2026
• Base year: 2022–23
• Agency: MoSPI
• New price series used: PPI, IIP, BkSPI

State-Specific News

Bihar and Jharkhand sign Sone River water-sharing MoU

Bihar and Jharkhand signed an MoU in New Delhi on 31 August 2026 on sharing Sone (Son) river water, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil, Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary and Jharkhand CM Hemant Soren. Of the 7.75 MAF allocated to undivided Bihar under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement, 5.75 MAF goes to Bihar and 2 MAF to Jharkhand, closing a dispute pending since Jharkhand’s creation in 2000. Source: Ministry of Home Affairs / PTI, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• River: Sone (Son), Ganga tributary
• Shares: Bihar 5.75 MAF; Jharkhand 2 MAF
• Parent pact: 1973 Bansagar Agreement
• Dispute since: Jharkhand formation, 2000

Important Day / Theme

International Day for People of African Descent

The UN observes 31 August as the International Day for People of African Descent. The 2026 observance used the theme “Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent”, within the Second International Decade for People of African Descent (2025–2034), whose framing remains Recognition, Justice and Development. Source: United Nations, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Date: 31 August
• 2026 theme: Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent
• Decade: Second International Decade, 2025–2034
• Decade pillars: Recognition, Justice, Development

Independence Day of the Kyrgyz Republic

31 August is Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day. Prime Minister Modi congratulated President Sadyr Zhaparov on the occasion during their bilateral meeting in Bishkek, the same day the 26th SCO Summit opened in the host capital. Source: PIB, 31 August 2026

Exam Points:

• Observance: Kyrgyzstan Independence Day
• Date: 31 August
• 2026 host overlap: 26th SCO Summit, Bishkek
• Kyrgyz President: Sadyr Zhaparov

31 August 2026: One-Liner Revision

• Delhi SIR draft roll left out 47.7 lakh of 1.45 crore electors.
• India rejected the Hague Court of Arbitration award; Indus Waters Treaty stays in abeyance.
• NBEMS set a NEET-PG re-exam on 5 September for 2,445 Jaipur candidates.
• Real GDP grew 7.8% in Q1 of FY 2026–27 (base 2022–23).
• April–July fiscal deficit was 26.8% of the ₹16.96 lakh crore FY27 target.
• July services exports rose 13.4% to USD 38.25 billion.
• INS Nipun, second Nistar-class DSV, was commissioned in Mumbai.
• Modi and Putin met in Bishkek ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit in India.
• Modi told Iran’s President Pezeshkian that freedom of navigation must be protected.
• India and Brazil restated a USD 30 billion trade target by 2030.
• Nepal’s Bhotekoshi–Trishuli floods began on 26 August after an ice-rock avalanche.
• The 6th World Nomad Games opened in Bishkek with an 87-member Indian contingent.
• Lionel Messi retired from international football with 125 goals in 207 caps.
• Vaibhav Sooryavanshi became the youngest Duleep Trophy fifty-maker.
• Air Marshal Sandeep Thareja assumed charge as DGAFMS.
• Trial ISP (base 2024–25) showed real estate up 24.7% in June.
• MoSPI released National Accounts Statistics 2026 (base 2022–23).
• Bihar gets 5.75 MAF and Jharkhand 2 MAF of Sone water under a new MoU.

Revision tip: lock the 7.8% Q1 GDP print, the Indus Waters Treaty–abeyance line, and the Bihar–Jharkhand Sone shares before tomorrow’s digest — those three travel well in both Prelims and interviews.