UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-08-26

Use this daily collection to understand why each development matters, then verify time-sensitive facts through the linked sources before adding them to notes.

• Invisible actors: On bulk applications, voter name deletionPolity · Allegations of bulk Form 7 misuse for voter deletion during ECI's Special Intensive Revision in multiple states.
• Escape velocity: On what India’s space sector must focus onScience and Technology · On the third National Space Day, PM Modi urged space startups to build an 'aura', but a recent analysis shows India's launch costs are higher than global peers.
• West Asia conflict weighing on business confidence: RBI BulletinEconomy · RBI Bulletin highlights West Asia conflict and new U.S. tariffs as risks to business confidence and supply chains.
• Why is there a sudden increase in sugar prices? | ExplainedEconomy · Sugar prices have surged by 40-50% year-on-year, with Odisha recording ₹67.4/kg, prompting government import of 10 lakh tonnes.
• Four India-based companies bear the brunt of U.S.’ Iran sanctionsPolity · US sanctions four India-based companies for importing Iranian petroleum under 'Operation Economic Outcast'.
• UPI completes 10 years of digital payments, sees 13,000-fold surge in transaction volume, 4,000-fold rise in valueEconomy · UPI completed 10 years since its launch on 25 August 2016, with the Finance Ministry highlighting its massive growth and global recognition.
• Root causes: On India’s youth crisisSociety · Youth agitation over exam reforms and PM's free coaching announcement highlight deeper job crisis.
• West Bengal SIR: Supreme Court demands data on appeals as municipal polls close inPolity · Supreme Court seeks data on appeals in West Bengal electoral roll revision as municipal polls near.
• Identify, eliminate threats before they grow big: Amit Shah urges security agenciesInternal Security · Home Minister Amit Shah addressed the Intelligence Bureau's National Security Strategy Conference, outlining a forward-looking security policy.