Current Affairs 02 August 2026

Cabinet Backs PM-KISAN Continuation Till 2031, Strengthens Khelo India.

• Cabinet extended PM-KISAN till 2030–31 and expanded Khelo India.
• PM-KISAN: Extended for 2026–31 with ₹3.15 lakh crore outlay.
• Provides ₹6,000/year to eligible farmers through DBT.
• Khelo India: ₹36,441 crore allocated for 5 years (including NSFs), nearly 8× previous allocation.
• Strengthens the grassroots-to-TOPS pathway for Olympic talent.

Italy Suspends Schengen Free Movement Rules for Spain Amid Migrant Influx.

• Italy temporarily suspended Schengen border-free travel with Spain for one month after a migrant influx into Ceuta.
• Reintroduced passport and ID checks for travelers from Spain (air & sea routes).
• Triggered by the mass migrant influx into Ceuta from Morocco.
• Permitted under Schengen rules during threats to public order or national security.
• Schengen Area: Enables passport-free travel across 29 European countries.
• Ceuta: Spanish enclave in North Africa, sharing a border with Morocco.

Varsha Ashok Aglawe Appointed as GSI’s 1st Woman Director General.

• Varsha Ashok Aglawe became the first woman Director General of the Geological Survey of India (GSI).
• Assumed charge as the 54th Director General on 31 July 2026.
• First woman to head GSI in its 176-year history.
• A palaeontologist with 30+ years of experience.
• Previously served as Additional Director General (Eastern Region), Kolkata.

West Bengal Launches Self-Enumeration for India’s 16th Census.

• West Bengal launched the self-enumeration phase of India’s 16th Census (Census 2027).
• India's first fully digital Census.
• Self-enumeration: 1–15 August 2026 via the official portal.
• House-listing phase: 16 August–14 September 2026.
• Census data is confidential and used only for statistical and planning purposes.

Gujarat’s Pithora Painting Of Rathwa Tribe Receives GI Tag.

• Gujarat’s traditional Pithora painting received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag on 2 August 2026.
• Origin: Ritualistic wall art of the Rathwa, Bhilala, and Nayaka tribes of Gujarat.
• Significance: Created to worship Baba Pithora for prosperity, health, and peace.
• Features:
  • Horses are the main motif representing deities.
  • Depicts Sun, Moon, animals, birds, and agriculture.
  • Uses vibrant colors reflecting tribal culture.
• GI Benefits: Protects against imitation and promotes access to national and international markets.