PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
MeitY Summons Meta Global Team Over Algorithmic Bias; Parliamentary Panel to Question
Government summons Meta's global team to clarify algorithmic bias and role in public order after MeitY rejects technical glitch explanation. Parliamentary panel will also question the company. This highlights growing regulatory scrutiny on social media algorithms and their societal impact.
- ▸Target this Data: MeitY (Ministry of Electronics and IT) as the nodal ministry.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information Technology.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 79 of IT Act (safe harbor for intermediaries) and due diligence obligations.
CorePrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Passed in Lok Sabha Without Debate; SC Issues Notice on Polygamy Ban
Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 without debate amid opposition protests over police crackdown. Simultaneously, the Supreme Court issued notice on a plea to ban polygamy, sentenced Tahir Hussain to life imprisonment for murder of an IB officer, and stayed arrest of former TN minister Senthilbalaji. Multiple other judicial and state-level developments occurred.
- ▸Target this Data: Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026 passed in Lok Sabha on July 31, 2026
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Lok Sabha (passed the bill); Supreme Court (notice on polygamy)
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Article 25 and Article 14 (polygamy plea)
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
SC Upholds NCLAT Order Setting Aside CCI's ₹301.6 Cr Penalty on Grasim
The Supreme Court upheld the NCLAT order setting aside CCI's ₹301.6 crore penalty on Grasim Industries for alleged abuse of dominance in the viscose staple fibre market. The Court affirmed that CCI violated natural justice by not providing a hearing after differing from the Director General's findings.
- ▸Target this Data: ₹301.6 crore – penalty amount imposed by CCI on Grasim Industries in March 2020.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Competition Commission of India (CCI) – under Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 4 of the Competition Act, 2002 (abuse of dominant position); principles of natural justice (audi alteram partem).
PrelimsMainsSocial IssuesExam Relevance 7/10
Muthanga Verdict: 42 Acquitted, 4 Convicted, 5-Year Jail for Geethanandan in 2003 Agitation Case
The Principal Sessions Court in Kalpetta delivered a landmark verdict on July 31, 2026, in the 23-year-old Muthanga land agitation case. All 42 accused in the murder of police constable Vinod were acquitted, while four leaders including social activist M. Geethanandan were convicted under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) and sentenced to 5 years rigorous imprisonment. The verdict closes a chapter on a seminal tribal rights movement that influenced the Forest Rights Act, 2006.
- ▸Target this Data: Verdict date July 31, 2026; 42 acquitted, 4 convicted; 5 years rigorous imprisonment.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 120B (criminal conspiracy).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) investigated the case.
PrelimsEnvironmentExam Relevance 7/10
SC-NBWL Recommends Pygmy Hog for Critically Endangered List Under IDWH Scheme
The Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL) has recommended adding the pygmy hog, the world's smallest and rarest wild pig, to the list of critically endangered species under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) scheme. This move signals a renewed focus on grassland conservation and species recovery, with potential expansion to West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.
- ▸Target this Data: Pygmy hog is the smallest and rarest wild pig (Sus salvanius).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Standing Committee of the National Board for Wildlife (SC-NBWL).
- ▸Target this Scheme: Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats (IDWH) – centrally sponsored, not central sector.
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
SC Stays HC Order Declaring NSEI as 'Public Authority' Under RTI Act Section 2(h)
The Supreme Court has stayed a Delhi High Court order that declared the National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI) a 'public authority' under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act. This means citizens cannot currently enforce their right to information from NSEI. The case challenges whether a stock exchange, though controlled by the government, should be treated as a public authority.
- ▸Target this Data: July 31, 2026 — SC stay order date
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Stock Exchange of India (NSEI)
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 2(h) of RTI Act, 2005 defines 'public authority'
PrelimsIntl. RelationsExam Relevance 7/10
India-Bhutan Sign ₹4,000 Cr LoC; 12 New PTA Projects Under 13th FYP Approved
India and Bhutan reviewed development cooperation, signed a ₹4,000 crore concessional LoC, and approved 12 new PTA projects under Bhutan's 13th Five-Year Plan (2024-29). This reinforces India's position as Bhutan's largest development partner, with total support of ₹10,000 crore for the plan period.
- ▸Target this Data: ₹4,000 crore LoC, ₹10,000 crore total support for 13th FYP, 12 new PTA projects, 82 total PTA projects, 45 EVs
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of External Affairs (India), Export-Import Bank of India
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Concessional line of credit agreement, MoU for health cooperation between AIIMS and Khesar Gyalpo University
PrelimsInfrastructureExam Relevance 7/10
PM Modi Inaugurates Alluri Sitarama Raju Airport: ₹4,700 Cr PPP Project in Andhra Pradesh
Andhra Pradesh gets its first international airport after bifurcation (2014) with PM Modi inaugurating the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram. Built under PPP/DBFOT model by GMR Group at ₹4,700+ crore, it will decongest INS Dega and boost trade, tourism, and regional development.
- ▸Target this Data: ₹4,700+ crore cost, 2,200+ acres, 3,800m runway, 6 million passenger capacity (Phase 1), August 1, 2026 inauguration.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Civil Aviation (oversees airport projects); GMR Group as developer.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: PPP/DBFOT model for infrastructure development.
CorePrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 9/10
Supreme Court Rules NCSC Cannot Issue Binding Directions Under Article 338
The Supreme Court clarified that the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has only recommendatory and advisory powers under Article 338, not adjudicatory powers. It cannot issue binding orders in service disputes. This ruling sets boundaries for constitutional commissions under Articles 338, 338A, and 338B.
- ▸Target this Data: July 28, 2026 - date of Supreme Court judgment
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC)
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Article 338 of the Constitution
PrelimsEconomyExam Relevance 7/10
IIP Growth Hits 7.3% in June 2026, Highest in 23 Months; Consumer Demand Weak
India's IIP grew 7.3% YoY in June 2026, the highest in 23 months. However, the growth is driven by capital and infrastructure goods due to government spending, while consumer goods (especially non-durables) show weakness, highlighting a demand-side slowdown amid high prices.
- ▸Target this Data: IIP growth 7.3% YoY in June 2026 (highest in 23 months).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation releases IIP.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Use-based classification of IIP (Primary, Intermediate, Capital, Infrastructure, Consumer durables, Consumer non-durables).
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
SC Orders Centre to Appoint Nodal Officer for Indians Killed/Missing in Russia-Ukraine War
The Supreme Court has directed the Central Government to appoint a Nodal Officer specifically to assist the families of Indian nationals who have been killed or are missing in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This directive underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring the executive fulfills its duty towards citizens affected by international crises.
- ▸Target this Data: SC directive on July 31, 2026, for Nodal Officer appointment.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of External Affairs (likely responsible).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Article 32 (Writ Jurisdiction) of the Constitution.
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
Calcutta HC Orders 5 Fast-Track Courts for NEET Paper Leak Cases Under 2024 Act
The Calcutta High Court has ordered five dedicated fast-track courts—three in Kolkata and two in Port Blair—to exclusively try NEET paper leak cases under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, with a strict deadline to conclude trial within three months from filing of charge-sheet. This move aims to expedite justice in one of India's biggest education scandals and follows nationwide protests and the resignation of the Union Education Minister.
- ▸Target this Data: 5 fast-track courts (3 in Kolkata, 2 in Port Blair) with 3-month trial deadline from charge-sheet.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Calcutta High Court (issued the administrative order on July 29, 2026).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Sections 10 and 11 of the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.
PrelimsEnvironmentExam Relevance 7/10
World Bank Report: Extreme Heat Costs South Asia 31 Million Jobs, 7% GDP by 2050
World Bank report warns extreme heat costs South Asia 31 million jobs annually and threatens 7% GDP loss by 2050. It urges governments to treat heat as a core development challenge, not a seasonal emergency. Essential for UPSC: climate-economy linkages, urban resilience, and vulnerable worker protection.
- ▸Target this Data: 31 million full-time jobs lost annually; 7% GDP reduction by 2050; 520 million exposed to dangerous heat by 2070
- ▸Target this Institution: World Bank (South Asia Vice President: Johannes Zutt)
- ▸Target this Report: 'A Livable Future: Protecting Jobs and Growth from Extreme Heat in South Asia's Cities'
CorePrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
SC Issues Notice to Centre on Plea to Ban Polygamy Under Section 82 BNS Uniformly
The Supreme Court has sought the Centre's response on a petition challenging the constitutional validity of polygamy among Muslims, arguing it violates gender equality and is a primary driver of female destitution. The plea seeks uniform application of Section 82 BNS (bigamy law) and compulsory registration of Muslim marriages. This case could reignite the Uniform Civil Code debate and has implications for personal law reforms.
- ▸Target this Data: 88% of husbands did not seek consent for second marriage; 79% did not inform first wife.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 82, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) – punishes bigamy; the petition seeks its uniform application.
- ▸Target this Petition: Zakia Soman vs Union of India; seeks declaration that polygamy among Muslims is unconstitutional.
PrelimsAgricultureExam Relevance 7/10
Kerala Sets Up 11-Member Chief Secretary-Led AgriStack Data Governance Committee for Digital Agriculture
Kerala has created a Chief Secretary-led 11-member committee to act as fiduciary custodian of AgriStack data, a key digital public infrastructure under the Centre's Digital Agriculture Mission. This marks a significant step in state-level implementation of agricultural data governance, impacting subsidy disbursement and scheme implementation. Exam-relevant for topics on Digital Agriculture, DPI, and Centre-State coordination.
- ▸Target this Data: 11-member committee, Chief Secretary-led, September 2025 guidelines
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: State AgriStack Data Governance Committee (SADGC) under Kerala Agriculture Department
- ▸Target this Legal Point: 'State Core Handover Support' programme under Union government operational guidelines
PrelimsPolityExam Relevance 7/10
President Murmu Assents Maharashtra Anti-Conversion Law: 60-Day Notice, 7-Year Jail for Violations
Maharashtra's anti-conversion law receives President's assent, becoming the latest state to regulate religious conversions. The law mandates a 60-day prior notice to the district magistrate, places the burden of proof on the converter, and prescribes up to 7 years imprisonment (10 years for repeat offenders). This is crucial for understanding state legislative powers, fundamental rights (Article 25), and the ongoing debate on religious freedom versus regulation.
- ▸Target this Data: 60-day prior notice to District Magistrate; imprisonment up to 7 years (first), 10 years (repeat).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: President of India (Droupadi Murmu) gave assent; Maharashtra Governor (C P Radhakrishnan) forwarded it.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: The law is the Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026; passed in Budget Session March 2026.
PrelimsEconomyExam Relevance 7/10
SEBI Grants In-Principle Approval for NSE Settlement at ₹1,491.21 Crore for Past Lapses
SEBI has accepted NSE's settlement offer of ₹1,491.21 crore to resolve long-standing regulatory lapses related to governance failures and inequitable access for trading members. This in-principle approval is a critical step for NSE ahead of its mega IPO, signaling regulatory closure on past issues.
- ▸Target this Data: SEBI approved NSE settlement for ₹1,491.21 crore on July 30, 2026.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) - statutory body under the Ministry of Finance.
- ▸Target this Legal Point: The settlement is under SEBI's settlement mechanism for past regulatory lapses.
CorePrelimsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
Delhi Court Sentences Ex-AAP Councillor Tahir Hussain to Life Imprisonment for 2020 Riots Murder of IB Staffer Ankit Sharma
A Delhi court sentenced former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain and nine others to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Intelligence Bureau staffer Ankit Sharma during the 2020 Delhi riots. The court rejected the death penalty, citing the convicts' potential for reformation, but noted the crime's extreme brutality.
- ▸Target this Data: Life imprisonment sentence for ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain for 2020 Delhi riots murder of IB staffer Ankit Sharma (51 stab wounds).
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Delhi Sessions Court (Additional Sessions Judge Praveen Singh).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: 'Rarest of rare' doctrine for death penalty; Section 120A (criminal conspiracy), Section 146 (rioting), Section 302 (murder) of IPC.
PrelimsMainsScience & TechExam Relevance 8/10
IN-SPACe Releases Planned Re-entry Guidelines: Safety Threshold 1 in 10,000, Mandates Third-Party Liability Insurance
IN-SPACe has released new guidelines for planned re-entry of space objects, establishing a safety threshold of 1 in 10,000 risk to humans and mandating third-party liability insurance for private operators. This is crucial for India's human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan and the growing private space sector.
- ▸Target this Data: Safety threshold of 1 in 10,000 (0.01%) for risk to humans.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Liability Convention 1972 and third-party liability insurance requirement.
PrelimsMainsPolityExam Relevance 8/10
Mahanadi Water Dispute: Odisha-Chhattisgarh CMs Meet July 30, 2026; Tribunal Gives Final Chance by April 20, 2026
After a decade-long legal battle, the Chief Ministers of Odisha and Chhattisgarh met on July 30, 2026 under Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil to resolve the Mahanadi water dispute amicably within three months. The Mahanadi Water Disputes Tribunal (MWDT) had earlier given a final opportunity on April 20, 2026 for a consensus, failing which it would proceed with adjudication. This is crucial for understanding inter-state river water disputes, cooperative federalism, and the ISRWD Act, 1956.
- ▸Target this Data: Mahanadi river length = 851 km (494 km in Odisha); MWDT constituted on Feb 20, 2018.
- ▸Target this Nodal Body: Ministry of Jal Shakti (Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Patil chaired the meeting).
- ▸Target this Legal Point: Section 3 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (complaint mechanism).
