Daily Current Affairs- 9th August 2026

Daily Current Affairs- 9th August 2026

In first month of VB-G RAM G, almost 50% year-on-year dip in rural jobs

In the News: Employment generation under the newly implemented Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), or VB-G RAM G, declined sharply in its first full month. In July 2026, the programme generated 7.67 crore person-days, nearly 49.94% lower than the 15.33 crore person-days generated under MGNREGS in July 2025. The new framework came into force nationwide on 1 July 2026.

Key Points:

• What is VB-G RAM G? The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 replaced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act framework from July 1, 2026. It represents a major restructuring of India’s statutory rural wage-employment system.
• Employment decline: Official data showed 7.67 crore person-days of employment in July 2026, compared with 15.33 crore person-days in July 2025. A person-day means one person receiving employment for one working day.
• Enhanced employment guarantee: The new framework provides up to 125 days of wage employment per financial year to eligible rural households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work.
• Budgetary importance: The programme has received a substantial central allocation for FY 2026-27, underlining the continued importance of rural employment support in India’s social-sector policy.

Supreme Court collegium recommends elevation of four judges as Chief Justices of different HCs

In the News: The Supreme Court Collegium, headed by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant, recommended four judges for appointment as Chief Justices of the Patna, Calcutta, Bombay, and Punjab & Haryana High Courts. The recommendations were made at the Collegium’s meeting on 6 August 2026.

Key Points:

• Four recommendations: Justice V. Kameswar Rao was recommended for the Patna High Court, while Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge was recommended for the Calcutta High Court.
• Other recommendations: Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi was recommended as Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court, while Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra was recommended for the Punjab & Haryana High Court.
• Constitutional provision: Appointment of High Court judges is governed by Article 217 of the Constitution. The formal appointment is made by the President of India.
• Collegium system: The collegium system evolved mainly through the Second Judges Case, 1993 and the Third Judges Case, 1998, giving the higher judiciary a central role in judicial appointments.

Netanyahu vows Iran will ‘not have nuclear weapons’ with or without deal

In the News: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated that Israel would prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons irrespective of whether Tehran reaches a diplomatic agreement. The statement came amid continuing tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States.

Key Points:

• Israel’s position: Netanyahu stated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain nuclear weapons “with an agreement or without an agreement”. Israel considers Iran’s nuclear capability a major national-security concern.
• Iran’s stand: Iran has consistently maintained that its nuclear programme is intended for peaceful purposes and has denied that it seeks to develop nuclear weapons.
• Role of IAEA: Iran’s nuclear activities are monitored under safeguards involving the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), headquartered in Vienna, Austria.
• JCPOA background: The Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, 2015 placed restrictions and verification measures on Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. The United States withdrew from the agreement in 2018.

EU, U.K. ask Israel to reconsider escalation in Gaza as Germany suspends some arms exports to Israel

In the News: Israel’s decision to expand military operations in Gaza City drew criticism from European governments. The U.K. urged Israel to reconsider the move, while Germany announced restrictions on approving military exports that could be used in Gaza.

Key Points:

• Reason for European concern: The proposed escalation in Gaza raised fears of additional civilian displacement and deterioration in the humanitarian situation.
• U.K.’s position: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer urged Israel to reconsider the decision and called for a ceasefire, greater humanitarian assistance and the release of hostages.
• Germany’s decision: Germany announced that it would stop approving certain exports of military equipment that could be used in Gaza, marking a significant policy signal from one of Israel’s key European partners.
• Germany-Israel relations: Germany’s historically strong support for Israel is closely connected to its responsibility for the Holocaust, making any restriction on military exports diplomatically significant.