1) 🇮🇳 NationalSAATHI Scheme Launched for Textile Workers: The Ministry of Textiles launched the SAATHI (Supporting Advancement of All Textile and Handloom Industries) scheme to extend comprehensive social security, health insurance, and skill-upgradation support to handloom and textile workers.16th Asiatic Lion Population Estimation: The Gujarat Forest Department released the latest census data showing India's wild Asiatic lion population increased to 891 (up from 523 in 2015), with their distribution expanding across 35,000 sq km in the Greater Gir Landscape.Inauguration of 'Param Pragya' Supercomputer: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated 'Param Pragya', an AI-enabled high-performance supercomputing facility at the IIT Delhi Sonipat campus, enhancing national deep-tech research capabilities.2) 🌍 International8th India–US Navy EOD Exercise Commences: The 8th edition of the bilateral Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Exercise commenced in Kochi between the Indian Navy and the US Navy to strengthen maritime safety protocols and counter-explosive interoperability.Abu Dhabi Free Visa Framework for Indian Tourists: Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism announced a special travel initiative offering free UAE entry visas for Indian citizens booking stays of three nights or more.3) 💰 EconomyRBI SPF Upgrades FY27 GDP Growth Forecast: The Reserve Bank of India’s 101st Survey of Professional Forecasters (SPF) raised India's real GDP growth projection for FY 2026–27 to 6.6%, citing strong domestic investment and steady urban demand.First Co-Branded RuPay Credit Card for Dining: IndusInd Bank partnered with EazyDiner to launch a lifetime-free Platinum RuPay Credit Card, enabling users to link their credit card directly with UPI platforms for seamless digital transactions.4) 🗓 Date’s importanceInternational Youth Day (12 August): Observed globally under the United Nations framework to recognise youth leadership and engage young people in driving sustainable development.World Elephant Day (12 August): Celebrated internationally to raise awareness regarding the protection, habitat conservation, and welfare of Asian and African elephants.5) 👱‍♂👩‍🦳 Person of the dayDr Vikram Sarabhai: Honoured on his birth anniversary (12 August 1919) as the legendary 'Father of the Indian Space Programme' whose vision laid the groundwork for the establishment of ISRO and India's satellite communications network.6) 🏅 SportsDirect Qualification for ICC World Cup 2027: Afghanistan secured direct qualification for the 2027 ICC Men's Cricket World Cup based on official ODI rankings, while two-time champions West Indies will enter the global qualifier stage.St. Louis Chess Masters Series: Indian Chess Grandmasters maintained top-table positions across the rapid and blitz formats at the prestigious St. Louis Masters series in the United States.7) 🏆 AwardsPresident’s Colours Conferred on Puducherry Police: Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the prestigious President’s Colours to the Puducherry Police force in recognition of their outstanding service and commitment to law enforcement.8) ⭐️ Other important significanceIISc Develops Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru developed an advanced Quantum Diamond Microchip Imager using nitrogen-vacancy centres to detect subsurface defects in semiconductor chips without destructive testing.9) 📚 Word of the dayINTEROPERABILITYMeaning: (Noun) The capability of diverse systems, organisations, or military forces to operate in synergy and exchange information effectively.Contextual Usage: Bilateral naval drills focus on enhancing technical interoperability and tactical coordination during international maritime operations.

State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the highly anticipated SBI Clerk Notification 2026 for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales). Released on August 11, 2026, this notification brings a massive opportunity for banking aspirants aiming for a central-level job across the country. This year, SBI has announced 9,124 vacancies, showing a significant increase compared to the previous recruitment cycle. If you are planning to apply, this detailed guide covers everything from important dates and eligibility to the exam pattern, previous cut-offs, and application process. 1. Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2026The State Bank of India follows a strict timeline for its recruitment processes. Candidates must keep track of the following dates to ensure they don't miss out:Official Notification Released: August 11, 2026 Online Application Starts: August 11, 2026 Last Date to Apply Online: August 31, 2026 Last Date for Fee Payment: August 31, 2026 SBI Clerk Prelims Exam (Tentative): September 2026 SBI Clerk Mains Exam (Tentative): November 2026 2. Number of Vacancies: 2026 vs 2025 AnalysisThe 2026 notification brings excellent news for aspirants, as there is a sharp increase in regular vacancies.Total Vacancies in 2026: 9,124 (which includes      7,680 Regular Vacancies and 1,444 Backlog Vacancies). Total Vacancies in 2025: 6,589 (which included      5,180 Regular Vacancies and 1,409 Backlog Vacancies). Year-on-Year Change: There is an absolute      increase of 2,500 regular vacancies compared to last year, roughly a 48%      increase. Important Policy Update:Under the new transfer policy introduced in 2026, newly recruited Junior Associates will not be eligible for inter-state or inter-circle transfers before completing five years of service. Furthermore, no vacancies have been reported this year for states including Kerala, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab. 3. Educational Qualification and Age LimitCandidates must strictly meet the eligibility parameters to avoid disqualification in later stages.Educational QualificationApplicants must hold a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a      recognized university or institute. The cut-off date to possess this educational qualification is      December 31, 2026. Age LimitMinimum Age: 20 years Maximum Age: 28 years Candidates must have been born not earlier than April 2, 1997, and      not later than April 1, 2005 (both days inclusive). The age calculation cut-off date is April 1, 2026. Age Relaxation (Upper Age Limit):OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years SC / ST: 5 years PwBD (General/EWS): 10 years PwBD (OBC): 13 years PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years 4. Selection ProcessThe SBI Clerk exam does not involve group discussions or personal interviews. The selection is completely based on written examinations and local language proficiency: Preliminary Examination: An online objective test (Qualifying in      nature).Mains Examination: An online objective test (Marks obtained      here decide the final merit list).Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking,      and understanding the designated local language of their opted state. 5. Exam PatternThere are no sectional cut-offs in the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains examinations, meaning candidates can maximize their overall scores from their strongest sections. Preliminary Exam PatternThe Prelims exam carries 100 marks and must be completed in 1 hour. English Language: 30 Questions for 30 Marks Numerical Ability: 35 Questions for 35 Marks Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions for 35 Marks Mains Exam PatternThe Mains exam carries 200 marks and must be completed in 2 hours and 40 minutes. General/Financial Awareness: 50 Questions for 50 Marks General English: 40 Questions for 40 Marks Quantitative Aptitude: 50 Questions for 50 Marks Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 Questions for 60 Marks 6. Syllabus OverviewA focused approach toward the syllabus is key to cracking the exam:Reasoning Ability: Alphanumeric series, coding-decoding,      puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, blood relations, and direction      sense. Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, data interpretation, number series, quadratic      equations, and arithmetic topics like profit and loss, time      and work, and simple/compound interest. English Language: Reading comprehension, cloze test, para      jumbles, error spotting, and vocabulary.General/Financial Awareness: Current affairs (last      6 months), banking awareness, static GK, and economic terms.7. Last Year (2025) Cut-Off AnalysisUnderstanding previous year cut-offs helps in setting safe target scores during mock tests. Cut-offs vary significantly by state based on regional vacancies and competition.SBI Clerk 2025 Prelims (General Category) Out of 100 marks:Madhya Pradesh: 81.00Punjab: 80.75 Uttar Pradesh: 79.50Maharashtra: 65.50SBI Clerk 2025 Mains (General Category) Out of 200 marks:Delhi: 90.00Madhya Pradesh: 90.00Uttar Pradesh: 88.25Gujarat: 83.508. Application FeeGeneral / OBC / EWS: Rs. 750 SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen: Exempted from fee payment 9. How to Apply OnlineEligible candidates can successfully submit their application form by following these steps:Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official SBI      careers page at sbi.bank.in/careers. Start New Registration: Look for the      "Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support &      Sales)" section, click "Apply Online," and choose "New      Registration". Fill the Form: Enter your personal, contact, and      educational details carefully. Be sure to correctly      select the State/UT you wish to apply for, as multiple state applications      are not allowed. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of a      passport-size photograph, your signature, a left thumb impression, and a      hand-written declaration exactly as per the official notification      specifications. Pay the Application Fee: Process the application      fee using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI. Print for Records: After successful      submission, take a printout of the final application form and the      e-receipt of fee payment for future reference. 

1) 🇮🇳NationalCentre Expands E-Visa Ports: The Ministry of Home Affairs notified 22 new entry ports (11 seaports, 9 land ports, and 2 airports) for e-visa holders, raising the total designated e-visa entry points in India to 88.Parliament Updates: The Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, aimed at streamlining appointments and service conditions across administrative tribunals.2) 🌍InternationalASEAN Maritime Exercise: Member nations of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) initiated joint maritime security drills in the South China Sea to strengthen regional maritime safety and communication protocols.Global Climate Action Summit: Key delegates gathered in Geneva to establish actionable frameworks for disaster risk reduction and climate resilience funding ahead of upcoming COP sessions.3) 💰EconomyDigital Payments Margin Growth: Leading fintech companies in India recorded significant stock momentum following analyst projections of potential Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) frameworks on digital payments.RBI Consumer Confidence Index: The Reserve Bank of India released its consumer confidence survey indicating positive urban demand and sustained economic activity across core sectors.4) 🗓Date’s importanceNational Mountain Climbing Day: Celebrated to honor mountain climbers and promote awareness regarding eco-friendly trekking and high-altitude biodiversity preservation.5) 👱‍♂👩‍🦳Person of the dayVikram Sarabhai: Commemorating the legacy of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, widely regarded as the Father of the Indian Space Programme, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation for ISRO and India's satellite communications network.6) 🏅SportsBWF World Tour Updates: Indian badminton shuttlers advanced to the quarter-finals of the ongoing BWF World Tour event, maintaining strong rankings ahead of major upcoming international championships.National Chess Championship: Grandmasters from across India gathered in Chennai to compete in the National Super Grandmasters Rapid and Blitz Championship.7) 🏆AwardsPresident’s Tatrakshak Medal: Announced for distinguished service and gallantry demonstrated by Indian Coast Guard personnel in maritime search-and-rescue operations.8) ⭐️Other important significanceAssam Flood Management Drive: State and central agencies escalated flood relief measures along the Brahmaputra river basin, focusing on silt clearing and infrastructure rehabilitation in affected rural districts.9) 📚Word of the dayEquanimity (noun): Mental calmness, composure, and evenness of temper, especially in a difficult or challenging situation.Synonyms: Serenity, poise, composure.Antonyms: Agitation, anxiety, disquiet.