Every story of the month, summarised for the exam and mapped to its GS paper — free, no login.
GS 1The [Supreme Court] has issued a notice to the Union government regarding a plea seeking to declare polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional and pushing for its uniform abolition across all religions. The petition advocates for the codification of [Muslim Personal Law] and the compulsory registration of Muslim marriages and divorces to align with constitutional principles of gender equality.
GS 3The Government has stated that ISRO's Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) system is currently unable to provide navigation data independently. This development impacts India's strategic autonomy in satellite navigation, highlighting the complexities and challenges of maintaining an indigenous global positioning system.
GS 2India and Bhutan held the fifth Development Cooperation Talks, focusing on India's support for Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan. Key outcomes include the approval of 12 new Project Tied Assistance (PTA) projects worth Rs 332 crore and a Rs 4,000 crore concessional credit line from the [Export-Import Bank of India].
GS 2India and the [European Union (EU)] are nearing the completion of their [Free Trade Agreement (FTA)], which includes a specific annexure addressing the EU's controversial [Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)]. The agreement, expected to be signed this year and implemented by 2027, incorporates provisions for future flexibility for India and mechanisms to account for carbon prices already paid domestically, mitigating concerns regarding compliance for Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
GS 2The Lok Sabha passed the [Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026], amid continuous protests by the Opposition over a recent police crackdown on students. The bill was passed without debate via a voice vote, highlighting ongoing tensions between the ruling party and the Opposition.
GS 2Scientists from [ISRO] and Japan's [JAXA] met in Bengaluru to review preparations for the joint [Chandrayaan-5] mission, also known as the [Lunar Polar Exploration Mission] (LUPEX). Scheduled for 2028, the mission aims to land a rover at the Moon's south pole to explore for water and ice, building on the success of [Chandrayaan-3].
GS 2The [Parliamentary Committee on External Affairs] has released a report recommending that India enhance its engagement with the Arctic region. Key recommendations include appointing a dedicated Polar Ambassador, seeking full membership in the [Arctic Council], and expanding India's Arctic policy beyond scientific research to include geopolitics and strategic interests.
GS 2The [Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs] (CBIC) is preparing new rules to streamline the process of filing appeals in multi-state [Goods and Services Tax] (GST) investigations. Currently, complex cases like fake input tax credit rackets spanning multiple states are handled by a single common adjudicating authority, creating confusion about which commissioner should file appeals and before which tribunal bench.
The article analyzes India's success in building its **Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)**, specifically the **India Stack**, which commoditized identity, payments, and data. It argues that the next logical step for India's digital evolution is the commoditization of Artificial Intelligence (AI), positioning it as a public good to drive further inclusive growth and innovation.
GS 2The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre ([IN-SPACe]) has issued new guidelines titled ‘Authorisation for Undertaking Planned Re-entry of Space Objects’. These guidelines establish a regulatory framework for private and government entities conducting space missions, focusing on the safe return of space debris, spent rocket stages, and spacecraft to Earth.
GS 2The upcoming [India-EU Free Trade Agreement] (FTA) will include a dedicated annexure to address India's concerns regarding the European Union's [Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism] (CBAM). This framework aims to help Indian Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) navigate the compliance requirements of the EU's carbon tax and potentially offset carbon prices paid domestically in India against those levied in Europe.
GS 2The Assam government has recently redefined the criteria for who qualifies as an 'original inhabitant' or 'indigenous person' within the framework of state land laws, specifically focusing on heritage and protected areas. This move, spearheaded by the state cabinet, aims to restrict land transfer rights to specific communities, reflecting ongoing efforts to protect indigenous identities and land rights amidst historical anxieties regarding demographic changes and migration in the region.
GS 2The [International Labour Organization] (ILO) Convention No. 193 was adopted on June 12, 2026, at the 114th International Labour Conference., titled ‘Decent Work in the Platform Economy,’ which establishes binding global standards for platform workers.
GS 2The government has listed the [Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill], 2026, for consideration in the monsoon session of Parliament. This bill, which regulates foreign funding to NGOs, was previously delayed due to protests from civil society organizations, particularly Christian groups and NGOs.
GS 2The [Supreme Court] has struck down a 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the [Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change] that allowed a perpetual mechanism for granting ex post facto (retroactive) environmental clearances to large infrastructure projects. The Court ruled that such administrative orders cannot override the mandatory requirement of 'prior environmental clearance' established by the [Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification of 2006].
GS 2The editorial critiques the Indian government's approach to systemic issues in the education sector, specifically regarding the functioning of the [National Testing Agency] (NTA). It argues that the government is treating a complex academic crisis—exemplified by controversies surrounding examinations like NEET—as a mere technical problem to be solved with technological surveillance and administrative task forces, rather than addressing the core lack of high-quality, autonomous academic institutions.
GS 2A recent study in The Lancet Public Health highlights India's overconsumption of broad-spectrum antibiotics and underuse of targeted first-line antibiotics. This editorial, authored by an [ICMR] scientist, argues that this overuse is driven by systemic healthcare weaknesses, such as inadequate diagnostics and infection control, rather than mere doctor irrationality.
The Indian government has accelerated its [E20 Fuel] rollout—a blend of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol—aiming for nationwide availability by 2025-26. While the policy seeks to enhance energy security, reduce import dependency, and boost agrarian incomes, users and mechanics report drivability issues and increased maintenance costs, particularly in older vehicles, prompting a review of vehicle compatibility and fuel quality infrastructure.
The Kerala and Madras High Courts have recently directed their respective state governments to formulate policies on paid menstrual leave for women employees. This highlights a growing legal and public discourse on menstrual equity in India, contrasting with the lack of a national policy and the Supreme Court's earlier reluctance to mandate a nationwide framework.
GS 2An editorial highlights growing concerns regarding the [Central Board of Film Certification] (CBFC) acting beyond its mandate by effectively censoring political narratives and delaying film certifications indefinitely. The article argues that the CBFC is failing to adhere to transparency mandates outlined in the [Cinematograph Act, 1952], calling into question its autonomy and its impact on freedom of expression in Indian cinema.
GS 2The [Supreme Court] declared all coal block allocations made between 1993 and 2011 illegal and arbitrary, stating the process suffered from legal flaws and a lack of transparency. The judgment highlights the failure of the Screening Committee and the government dispensation route, paving the way for potential cancellations and emphasizing the need for competitive bidding in resource allocation.
GS 2The U.S. Senate has advanced a bipartisan bill, the Lindsey O.
GS 3India's industrial output, measured by the [Index of Industrial Production (IIP)], recorded a robust growth of 7.3% in June, marking the fastest pace in nearly two years. This growth, significantly exceeding economists' expectations, was driven by strong performances in manufacturing, electricity, and the mining sectors, suggesting a positive momentum for the overall [Gross Domestic Product (GDP)] growth in the first quarter of the fiscal year.
GS 2The [Lok Sabha] passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill by a voice vote during the Monsoon Session. The bill addresses the critical issue of paper leaks, specifically referencing the recent controversies surrounding the [NEET] examination, sparking significant political debate regarding the integrity of the national education system.
GS 2At a UN Security Council open debate, India expressed deep concern over escalating violence in West Asia, specifically condemning recent attacks on commercial vessels in the [Strait of Hormuz]. India’s Permanent Representative highlighted the critical importance of unimpeded maritime navigation and reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Gaza conflict, alongside emphasizing the need to protect UN peacekeepers in Lebanon.
GS 2A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the [Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024], which aims to implement the 'One Nation, One Election' framework, has been granted an extension until the Winter Session of Parliament. The committee is conducting nationwide consultations to explore the feasibility of holding simultaneous elections for the [Lok Sabha], State assemblies, and local bodies by 2029.
GS 2The [Supreme Court of India] has quashed a 2021 Office Memorandum (OM) issued by the [Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change] that allowed infrastructure projects to obtain ex post facto (retroactive) environmental clearances. The Court ruled that administrative orders cannot override or permanently alter the mandatory requirement for prior environmental clearance established under the [Environment Impact Assessment Notification, 2006], a delegated legislation.
The article clarifies the scientific definition of a 'cloudburst' as established by the [India Meteorological Department] (IMD), noting that the term is frequently misused by officials and the media in India. This misuse often conflates extreme rainfall with systemic failures in urban planning and infrastructure, highlighting the need for precise meteorological terminology in disaster reporting.
GS 2The [Tamil Nadu] government has urged the Prime Minister to halt [Karnataka]'s proposed [Mekedatu Dam] project on the [Cauvery River], arguing it violates the [Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal] award and the 2018 Supreme Court judgment. The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions over the sharing of interstate river waters, a recurring theme in Indian federalism, especially during years of deficient rainfall.
GS 3India's tiger population has seen a significant recovery since the launch of [Project Tiger] in 1973, with over 70% of the world's wild tigers now residing in the country. This success has led to a new challenge: an increasing number of tigers (estimated at 35-40%) are living outside protected reserves, resulting in heightened human-tiger conflict.
GS 2A senior US official stated that the United States and India are significantly expanding their defence and civil nuclear cooperation. This enhanced engagement includes the adoption of trusted Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies, aiming to strengthen supply chains and interoperability across various domains like land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
GS 2Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing to meet with senior Chinese officials, including Vice Minister Sun Haiyan of the Communist Party of China. The discussions focused on implementing leadership guidance for bilateral relations, prioritizing political and people-to-people exchanges, and building upon recent high-level meetings between the two nations' Foreign Ministers.
GS 2The [Supreme Court of India] has mooted the creation of an independent, high-powered investigating team to probe allegations of police excesses during recent student protests across several states. The court directed the immediate release of detained minors, protected students without criminal records from coercive action, and highlighted the need for updated, uniform protocols for police conduct during large-scale peaceful protests.
GS 1The [Cauvery Water Regulation Committee] (CWRC) ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days, despite Karnataka facing a severe monsoon deficit and depleted reservoir levels. Karnataka, citing insufficient water for both irrigation and drinking needs, plans to appeal this decision to the apex body, the [Cauvery Water Management Authority] (CWMA).
The government introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill in the Lok Sabha to address the issue of examination paper leaks. The Bill aims to strengthen the existing anti-cheating framework by imposing harsher penalties, mandating time-bound investigations, and targeting organized crime groups involved in exam malpractices to ensure transparent and merit-based selections.
GS 2The United States has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from India and other countries under Section 301, citing the use of forced labour in supply chains. However, the editorial argues that this move is a strategic tactic to pressure countries into signing trade deals with the U.S.
GS 2The article evaluates India's pursuit of great-power status, challenging the notion that its rise is inevitable. While acknowledging India's scale and economic growth, it highlights significant material and domestic deficits—such as lagging per capita income, technological dependency, and political polarization—that currently keep India as a 'power in transition' or an 'almost great power' rather than a system-shaping global player.
GS 1The author argues that India's strategic outlook must evolve from being defined solely by physical geography to being shaped by a 'geometry of interests.' As India rises as a major economic and technological power, its national interests have expanded globally, necessitating a shift from a South Asia-centric view to a broader strategic horizon spanning the Indo-Pacific, Gulf, and Central Asia.
GS 2The Houthi militia in Yemen has expanded its attacks to target Saudi Arabian tankers in the Bab al-Mandab strait, further disrupting global energy trade routes already impacted by conflicts near the Strait of Hormuz. India, highly dependent on oil imports, faces potential supply delays and increased costs, prompting a potential increase in reliance on Russian crude, though this alternative is also vulnerable due to ongoing Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
GS 3This editorial argues that India must prioritize structural economic reforms to address its severe unemployment crisis, drawing a contrast with China's approach. The author contends that the Indian government's focus on 'ease of doing business' and the rapid adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) are conflicting with the need for high employment elasticity, suggesting a shift towards 'ease of living' and stronger labour protections.
GS 2The Union Government has introduced the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 in the [Lok Sabha] to strengthen the existing anti-cheating law. The Bill proposes significant enhancements in punishments, including up to 10 years imprisonment and fines up to ₹10 crore, alongside the creation of Special Task Forces and Special Fast Track Courts to expedite investigations and trials.
GS 1The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was officially inscribed as India's 45th [UNESCO World Heritage Site] during the 48th session of the World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea in July 2026. This inscription highlights Sarnath's profound global significance as the location where Gautama Buddha delivered his first sermon, initiating the spread of Buddhism.
GS 2The [Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation] (CDSCO), India's primary drug regulator, has approved Qdenga, the country's first dengue vaccine. Developed by Takeda, the vaccine targets the four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4) and is approved for individuals aged 4-60.
GS 2The [Supreme Court] is seeking input from a high-powered task force, headed by Nandan Nilekani, regarding the transition of the [NEET-UG] exam to a computer-based format. This comes amid a wider crisis following widespread paper leak allegations, leading to the cancellation of the May 2026 exam, the resignation of the Education Minister, and the introduction of a stricter bill to penalize exam cheating.
GS 2The [Supreme Court of India] is considering framing uniform, pan-India guidelines to regulate police conduct during large-scale protests, emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is constitutionally guaranteed. This follows nationwide demonstrations regarding examination paper leaks (like NEET) and subsequent allegations of police excesses, including lathi charges and the alleged use of pellet guns, as well as injuries sustained by police personnel.
GS 1The Supreme Court dismissed a review petition, reaffirming its March 24 verdict that individuals from a Scheduled Caste (SC) community lose their SC status immediately upon converting to a religion other than Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism. The court clarified that the [Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950] strictly limits SC status to these three religions, thereby ending eligibility for statutory benefits linked to that status upon conversion to other faiths like Christianity or Islam.
GS 2The [Supreme Court of India] has agreed to hear a plea regarding the interpretation of the [Tenth Schedule] of the Constitution, specifically focusing on the 'merger' exception (Paragraph 4) under the **anti-defection law**. The plea argues that the current interpretation allows MLAs and MPs to circumvent disqualification by claiming a merger with another party, potentially altering the mandate of a minority party to a majority.
GS 3The [Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change] has extended the tenure of an expert committee examining the demarcation of Ecologically Sensitive Areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats by one year, until July 2027. This extension highlights the ongoing deadlock between the Centre and the six Western Ghats states over finalizing the ESA boundaries, following the lapse of the sixth draft notification issued in July 2024.
GS 2The article explores the debate within India regarding its strategic alignment, specifically concerning China and the United States, amidst shifting political dynamics in Washington. It highlights concerns from a business lobby advocating for a recalibrated approach to China due to economic dependencies and the unpredictability of U.S.
GS 2A recent study published in [The Lancet Public Health] reveals a concerning imbalance in India's antibiotic consumption, characterized by an over-reliance on broad-spectrum 'watch' drugs and an underuse of first-line 'access' and 'reserve' drugs. This pattern exacerbates India's growing crisis of [Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)], necessitating an urgent shift towards evidence-based care and strict adherence to the [National Action Plan on Antimicrobial Resistance (NAP-AMR) 2.0].
GS 1After 28 years on the tentative list, [Sarnath], a significant Buddhist pilgrimage site in Uttar Pradesh, has officially been designated as a [UNESCO World Heritage Site]. This recognition elevates its status on the global stage, highlighting its immense historical, cultural, and architectural importance in the context of ancient Indian history and the spread of Buddhism.
GS 2The Tamil Nadu government is preparing to host the 31st meeting of the Southern Zonal Council at Mamallapuram in August. Chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, the meeting will bring together representatives from the southern states and the Union Territory of Puducherry to discuss regional issues and foster cooperation.
GS 2On the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dras, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh asserted that future dialogue with Pakistan will exclusively focus on [Pakistan-occupied Kashmir] (PoK). He warned against any misadventure or state-sponsored terrorism from Pakistan, referencing the recent Operation Sindoor as evidence of India's robust retaliatory capabilities.
GS 1The 11th phase of excavations at the [Keeladi] archaeological site in Tamil Nadu has revealed continuous brick structures and over 1,300 artefacts. Conducted by the [Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology], these findings, including an open drainage system, terracotta pipelines, and various tools and ornaments, suggest a highly developed urban settlement and potential industrial activity during the Sangam era.
The [Competition Commission of India (CCI)] has informed a parliamentary panel that it is reducing suo motu (on its own motion) investigations into anti-competitive practices. The regulator cited a potential conflict of interest, as initiating and adjudicating a case simultaneously could compromise fairness, and noted that it is also exercising restraint in areas overseen by other sectoral regulators.
GS 2The 'Cockroach Janta Party' (CJP), a youth movement, organized a widespread 'Chalo Sansad' march to Parliament on July 20, 2026, coinciding with the Monsoon Session. The protests, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the [National Eligibility and Entrance Test] (NEET), led to clashes with police, the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk, and a localized internet shutdown in Central Delhi.
GS 2Following the April 2024 Pahalgam terror attack, India placed the [Indus Waters Treaty] (IWT) in 'abeyance', demanding Pakistan cease cross-border terrorism. Pakistan has countered by accusing India of 'weaponizing' the Indus waters, highlighting the ongoing tension over this crucial 1960 water-sharing agreement.
GS 2Following nationwide protests over alleged irregularities in entrance and recruitment examinations, states like Maharashtra, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh have begun designating fast-track special courts to conduct trials under the new [Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024]. This move aims to expedite justice in cases involving paper leaks and unfair means, although the actual speed of trials depends on systemic factors like infrastructure and investigation efficiency.
GS 1The [Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA)] has rejected the Tamil Nadu government's proposal for Metro Rail systems in Coimbatore and Madurai for a second time. The Centre has instead recommended implementing a [Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS)], citing inadequate population (under two million per the [2011 Census]), lack of significant time savings for commuters, and insufficient projected ridership, despite the state's arguments highlighting industrial and tourist significance.
GS 2A policy dialogue organised by [CUTS International] highlighted the strategic imperative of building an India-Australia Energy Security Corridor. The discussions emphasized moving beyond traditional buyer-seller dynamics to establish resilient supply chains encompassing critical minerals, clean energy technologies, and advanced manufacturing, aiming to enhance energy security and geopolitical resilience across the [Indo-Pacific].
GS 2The central government introduced [The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024] to curb malpractices and irregularities in competitive examinations. The proposed legislation proposes stringent punishments, including up to 10 years in jail and a fine of Rs 10 crore, for individuals and organized groups involved in paper leaks and other exam-related offenses.
The United States under the Trump administration has revised its tariff structure, imposing a 10% duty on approximately 70% of Indian exports. This tariff stems from a [Section 301] investigation into alleged forced labour practices.
GS 1A three-year study by researchers from the [Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences] and the [University of Chicago] has created the first reference database of the gut microbiome across South Asia. The study reveals that rapid urbanization and the shift towards processed diets are fundamentally altering the gut bacteria of Indians, contributing to the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like diabetes and hypertension.
GS 2The Chhattisgarh government announced plans to introduce a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill during the Winter Session of the State Assembly. This follows a growing trend of states, including Uttarakhand, Gujarat, Assam, and recently Madhya Pradesh, implementing state-level UCC legislation.
GS 3The [Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs] has notified the [Vizhinjam International Transshipment Seaport] in Kerala as a customs port. Previously functioning exclusively as a transshipment hub, this notification allows the port to commence direct export and import (EXIM) cargo operations.
GS 3The Ministry of Railways has expanded the deployment of Kavach 4.0, India's indigenous Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system, to cover 2,490 route kilometers across the critical Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah rail corridors. Approved in July 2024 by the [Research Designs and Standards Organisation], version 4.0 features significant upgrades including improved location accuracy and direct integration with Electronic Interlocking Systems, paving the way for large-scale national implementation.
GS 2The [Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO)] has approved India's first dengue vaccine, Qdenga, developed by Japan's Takeda. This milestone comes amid rising dengue cases and the challenge of controlling the Aedes mosquito vector, especially in expanding semi-urban and rural areas.
GS 2The India-U.K. Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) recently came into effect, significantly reducing tariffs and easing mobility rules.
GS 1This editorial argues that India's aspiration to become a developed nation ('Viksit Bharat') by 2047 hinges critically on increasing its **Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR)**, which currently sits below 30%. It highlights a structural decline in women's workforce participation between 1983 and 2018, exacerbated by recent economic shocks, and contrasts the high female industrial employment in Southern states like Tamil Nadu with the stark under-participation in the Northern 'Hindi-belt'.
GS 2The [Competition Commission of India] (CCI) recently dismissed a complaint alleging that food delivery platform Zomato was abusing its dominant market position through its pricing practices, including platform fees and delivery charges. The CCI found no *prima facie* case of anti-competitive behaviour under the [Competition Act, 2002], stating that the additional charges were for distinct services and that the business models of restaurants and online delivery platforms are fundamentally different.
GS 2The United States has imposed a permanent 10% tariff on imports from India and 16 other countries following an investigation into forced labour under Section 301 of the Trade Act, 1974. India managed to secure a 10% rate instead of the proposed 12.5% by recently notifying a ban on the import of goods produced using forced labour.
GS 2External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, participating in the [East Asia Summit] and [ASEAN Regional Forum] in Manila, articulated India's stance on critical regional issues.
GS 2The [Department of Telecommunications] (DoT) has issued new authorisation guidelines under the [Telecommunications Act, 2023], mandating strict **data localisation** for communication infrastructure providers. The rules require all telecommunication network systems, associated data, and logs to be stored exclusively within India, prohibiting any transfer or routing of this data outside the country.
GS 3The [Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade] (DPIIT) has amended the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy to allow foreign investment in the inventory-based model of e-commerce, specifically and exclusively for the export of domestically manufactured goods. This move, initiated by the [Directorate General of Foreign Trade] (DGFT), aims to provide a new global channel for Indian Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to boost the country's export-led growth without altering the domestic e-commerce regulations that protect small retailers.
GS 2India is set to implement Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC), a unified digital identity framework allowing customers to use a single ID for banks, insurers, and mutual funds. Jointly executed by the [Reserve Bank of India], [Securities and Exchange Board of India], and the [Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India], this system aims to improve data quality, reduce duplication, and boost participation in financial products beyond basic bank accounts.
GS 2The [Supreme Court] has proposed establishing Special Courts to conduct day-to-day trials for criminal cases stemming from the 2023 ethnic violence in Manipur. The Court directed investigative agencies, including the [Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)] and the State Special Investigation Team (SIT), to expedite investigations and ensure victims receive copies of charge sheets.
GS 3The [Index of Core Industries] (ICI) has been updated with a new base year, revised weights, and the addition of iron ore, expanding the index to nine sectors. This long-overdue update aligns the ICI with other economic metrics like the [Consumer Price Index] (CPI) and [Wholesale Price Index] (WPI), providing a more accurate reflection of current industrial activity and the increasing role of renewables in electricity generation.
GS 2The Union Cabinet is set to consider amendments to the [Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024] to introduce fast-track courts and more stringent penalties for examination paper leaks. This move follows nationwide protests over irregularities in major competitive exams like NEET and UGC-NET.
GS 2Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk ended a 26-day hunger strike protesting the NEET-UG paper leak and demanding systemic examination reforms. He concluded the fast following assurances from the central government, mediated by Health Minister J.P.
GS 2Recent data from the [Reserve Bank of India] reveals that India paid approximately $15 billion for imports in rupees during March-May 2026, primarily driven by surging oil purchases from Russia amidst geopolitical tensions. This increase in rupee trade settlement highlights India's strategy to navigate global economic volatility, manage its trade deficit, and reduce reliance on the US dollar in international transactions.
GS 2The United States and Saudi Arabia have signed a landmark agreement to establish a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf nation. The deal, which aims to advance economic and strategic objectives while ostensibly ensuring non-proliferation, is occurring against a backdrop of heightened regional tensions involving the U.S., Iran, and Iran's regional proxies.
GS 2The Prime Minister announced the establishment of fast-track courts to ensure speedy justice in cases of exam paper leaks, responding to widespread protests over the [NEET] examination. This announcement follows an investigation revealing a poor conviction rate in major exam leak cases over the past two decades.
GS 2US President Donald Trump has announced a proposed phased tariff plan targeting imported generic drugs, starting with a 0% tariff for two years from August 2026, subsequently escalating to 100% for one year, and then 200%. The policy aims to incentivize the relocation of generic pharmaceutical manufacturing back to the United States.
GS 3The Union Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy announced in the [Lok Sabha] that India has achieved its target of securing 50% of its installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources five years ahead of the 2030 deadline. As of June 2026, India's non-fossil fuel capacity stands at 297.36 GW, heavily driven by solar power (162.15 GW) and wind power (57.44 GW).
GS 2External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met US Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Manila on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings to discuss finalizing key defense agreements and an 'almost complete' interim trade deal.
GS 2Iran’s [Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps] (IRGC) claimed to have intercepted three oil tankers attempting to navigate the [Strait of Hormuz] via an Omani coastal route, resulting in one explosion. The incident underscores escalating tensions between the United States and Iran over control of this critical maritime chokepoint, impacting global energy security and shipping lanes.
GS 2Yemen's Houthi rebels attacked Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, marking the first strike since announcing a blockade of Saudi-linked shipping via the Bab el-Mandeb strait. Concurrently, the U.S.
GS 1A methane explosion at the under-construction Teesta Stage-VI hydroelectric project tunnel in Sikkim killed at least 15 workers. This incident, following the October 2023 glacial lake outburst flood that destroyed the Teesta-III dam, highlights the severe hazards of infrastructure development in the geologically fragile and seismically active Himalayan region, raising urgent questions about environmental clearances and safety protocols.
GS 2The Prime Minister has proposed setting up Fast Track Courts (FTCs) to handle cases related to paper leaks, highlighting the government's reliance on specialized courts to expedite justice in high-profile matters. While FTCs have shown higher disposal rates than regular courts, they face significant challenges due to pendency and infrastructure deficits, raising questions about their overall efficacy in solving India's judicial backlog.
GS 2A recent report by the [Food and Agriculture Organization] (FAO) reveals that India has achieved a significant 42% decline in undernourishment over the past two decades, outpacing global progress. While the number of Indians unable to afford a healthy diet has also fallen by 29%, the actual cost of a healthy diet has risen by over a third to $4.11 per person per day.
GS 2External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Manila, Philippines, for the [Quad] Foreign Ministers' meeting held alongside the [ASEAN] meetings. The focus was on strengthening the [ASEAN]-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and advancing cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
GS 2The [Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology] (MeitY) is drafting a standalone law to regulate Artificial Intelligence (AI), moving away from earlier statements that existing laws were sufficient. The proposed legislation focuses on creating a consent-based framework for synthetically-generated content (like deepfakes), regulating autonomous 'agentic AI', and establishing regulatory sandboxes for high-risk applications, marking a significant shift in India's approach to technology governance.
GS 3The Union Cabinet has approved the ₹62,500-crore [Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme] ([MPMS]) to enhance India’s mobile manufacturing ecosystem. The five-year scheme shifts focus from basic assembly to higher value addition, promoting domestic component sourcing, design, research, and innovation.
GS 2A recent UN report by the [Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)] reveals that Africa has surpassed Asia as the continent with the highest number of people facing hunger. The report indicates a shift in the global 'centre of gravity of hunger,' with 309 million Africans (20% of the population) affected, compared to 292 million in Asia (6%).
GS 3Simon Stiell, Executive Secretary of [UNFCCC], during a visit to India, emphasized that decarbonisation and electrification are crucial for India's energy transition. He praised India's achievements in renewable energy capacity while highlighting the ongoing challenges of grid integration, energy storage, and securing adequate climate finance, particularly for adaptation efforts.
GS 2Foreign ministers from the Quad nations (India, US, Australia, Japan) met in Manila, Philippines, on the sidelines of ASEAN meetings to reaffirm their commitment to a "free and open Indo-Pacific." The meeting focused on supporting ASEAN centrality, enhancing maritime security, and addressing regional challenges amidst concerns about China's assertiveness and potential shifts in US foreign policy under the Donald Trump administration.
GS 2External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Manila, focusing on trade imbalances, supply chain predictability, and border peace. Following the October 2024 disengagement along the [Line of Actual Control], the dialogue emphasized that stability on the border is a prerequisite for normalized bilateral relations, even as China recently became India's largest trading partner.
GS 1The [Registrar General of India] is currently finalizing the methodology for caste enumeration in the upcoming nationwide Census, focusing on avoiding the errors of the [2011 Socio Economic and Caste Census (SECC)]. The government is debating between an open-ended format, which previously led to 46 lakh distinct caste names, and a drop-down menu, which faces opposition for potentially reinforcing colonial-era social structures.
GS 2The Supreme Court has issued notices regarding West Bengal government orders that linked the receipt of welfare benefits and caste certificates to a person's inclusion in the electoral rolls following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR). The Court reiterated its earlier stance from the Bihar SIR case, emphasizing that exclusion from an electoral roll only affects voting rights and cannot be used to determine citizenship or deny access to essential welfare schemes.
GS 3The successful launch of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket is a watershed moment for India's space sector, signifying the transition from a state-dominated model to one where private enterprise is an active participant. This milestone, placing India alongside the US and China in terms of independent private rocket development, is the direct result of the government opening the space sector in 2020 and institutionalising it through the [Indian Space Policy, 2023].
