Today Current Affairs — 2 September 2026 for UPSC, SSC, Bank, UPSSSC PET Competitive Exams.
International
Belgium PM Bart De Wever to Visit India Today
Exam Area: International, National
Official Source: Akashvani News
Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever will begin a three-day visit to India today. During his visit, he will hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to discuss the entire spectrum of bilateral relations as well as regional and global issues of mutual interest.
Prime Minister De Wever will also deliver a keynote address at a business event in the context of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).
Key Facts:
- Visiting Country: Belgium
- Prime Minister of Belgium: Bart De Wever
- Visit Duration: Three days
- Indian Prime Minister: Narendra Modi
- Key Issue: India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA)
India and US Agree to Work More Closely on Critical Minerals
Exam Area: International, National
Official Source: Akashvani News
India and the United States have agreed to strengthen cooperation in the area of critical minerals following a meeting between Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The agreement aims to further strengthen the long-standing economic partnership between the two countries. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting.
Key Facts:
- Countries: India and USA
- Indian Finance Minister: Nirmala Sitharaman
- US Treasury Secretary: Scott Bessent
- Key Area: Critical Minerals
- Forum: G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors’ Meeting
‘Double Standards’ in Fight Against Terrorism Unacceptable: SCO Declaration
Exam Area: International
Official Source: DD News
In a joint statement called the ‘Bishkek Declaration’, issued after the meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) in Bishkek, member states expressed deep concern over developments in West Asia.
The SCO member states strongly condemned terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and emphasised that “double standards” in the fight against terrorism are unacceptable.
The declaration was signed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin and other SCO leaders.
The SCO called upon the international community to combat terrorism, including the cross-border movement of terrorists, with the United Nations playing a central role. It also stressed the full implementation of relevant UN Security Council resolutions and the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy, in accordance with the UN Charter and international law.
Key Facts:
- Declaration: Bishkek Declaration
- Organisation: Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)
- Main Issue: Terrorism
- Position: Double standards in combating terrorism are unacceptable
- Venue: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Government Schemes
GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme Comes into Effect from Today
Exam Area: Government Schemes, National
Official Source: Akashvani News
The GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme, with a total financial outlay of ₹23,731 crore, has come into effect from today.
The scheme marks a major step towards scaling up the production and use of Compressed Biogas (CBG) in India. It will be implemented up to 2035-36 and aims to establish Compressed Biogas as a major pillar of India’s future energy mix.
Key Facts:
- Scheme: GOBARdhan Central Sector Scheme
- Total Outlay: ₹23,731 crore
- Implementation Period: Up to 2035-36
- Key Focus: Compressed Biogas (CBG)
- Objective: Strengthening India’s future energy mix
Economy
GST Collections Rise 14.8% to ₹1.99 Lakh Crore
Exam Area: Economy, Polity
Official Source: Akashvani News
India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections witnessed a significant rise to ₹1,99,853 crore, registering a 14.8% year-on-year increase compared with ₹1,74,116 crore collected in August 2025.
According to provisional data released by the Ministry of Finance, gross domestic GST revenue stood at ₹1,37,249 crore, registering a growth of 9.3%.
The rise in GST collections reflects continued strength in economic activity and tax revenues.
Key Facts:
- GST Collection: ₹1,99,853 crore
- Year-on-Year Growth: 14.8%
- August 2025 Collection: ₹1,74,116 crore
- Gross Domestic GST Revenue: ₹1,37,249 crore
- Data Released By: Ministry of Finance
Appointment
AVM Shakti Sharma Becomes First Non-Medical Woman Two-Star Officer in Indian Defence Services
Exam Area: Appointment
Official Source: PIB
Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Shakti Sharma has created history by becoming the first woman officer from the non-medical stream in the Indian Defence Forces to attain the rank of Air Vice Marshal or equivalent.
On 1 September 2026, she assumed the appointment of Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education) at Air Headquarters.
Commissioned into the Education Branch of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on 18 June 1994, AVM Shakti Sharma brings extensive experience from various postings at training establishments, field stations, command headquarters and Air Headquarters.
Key Facts:
- Officer: Air Vice Marshal Shakti Sharma
- Force: Indian Air Force
- Achievement: First non-medical woman officer to attain Air Vice Marshal rank or equivalent
- New Appointment: Assistant Chief of the Air Staff (Education)
- Date of Appointment: 1 September 2026
- Commissioned: 18 June 1994
- Branch: Education Branch, IAF