UPSC Current Affairs for 2026-08-31

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

• उज़्बेकिस्तान के राष्ट्रपति के साथ जॉइंट प्रेस स्टेटमेंट के दौरान प्रधानमंत्री का प्रेस स्टेटमेंटInternational Relations · India and Uzbekistan elevated their ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership during the Uzbek President's visit.
• Fiscal federalism, efficiency versus equity concernsEconomy · The 16th Finance Commission report for 2026-31 has been submitted, retaining 41% vertical devolution but re-engineering grants-in-aid, raising equity concerns.
• India, Uzbekistan upgrade ties to comprehensive strategic partnership; set $5 bn trade targetInternational Relations · India and Uzbekistan elevated ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and set a $5 billion trade target by 2030.
• FPIs turn buyers for second month, invest ₹30,919 crore in AugustEconomy · FPIs invested ₹30,919 crore in Indian equities in August, marking a second consecutive month of net buying after heavy outflows.
• OBC groups seek mandatory caste coding in Census, warn against ‘unscientific’ enumerationPolity · OBC groups demand mandatory caste coding and separate Census columns, warning against unscientific enumeration.
• Niger’s security forces battle mutinous soldiers in the capitalInternational Relations / Security · Mutinous soldiers in Niger attacked key sites in Niamey, challenging the military junta's authority.
• Nepal flash floods LIVE: Death toll reaches 788; rescuers drill through debris towards trapped tunnel workersDisaster Management and International Relations · Flash floods in Nepal have killed 788 people, with over 2,500 missing, prompting mass burials and international assistance.
• India provides 68.5 tonnes of relief, Bailey bridge, tunnel expertise to flood-hit NepalInternational Relations · India dispatched 68.5 tonnes of relief, technical teams, and Bailey bridge equipment to flood-hit Nepal after devastating flash floods on August 26, 2026.
• Danger from above: On the Nepal floodEnvironment and Disaster Management · Flash flood in Nepal caused by glacier collapse/ice-rock avalanche in Tibet, killing 389 and leaving 300 Indians missing.