Your daily UPSC current-affairs edition — a syllabus-wise brief from India's newsrooms, then the day's Prelims MCQs and Mains model answers. Free, ungated, added to every day. Practice the full growing bank (173 MCQs · 400 Mains) →
📰 Today's Current Affairs
Organised by syllabus head — read the brief, then test yourself below
Polity & Governance
Prelims favourite — fix the constitutional provision/Article and the authority involved.
Kartarpur Corridor To Remain Shut Over Security Concerns: Centre The Centre has received representations from Sikh religious groups and organisations for "early reopening" of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, but the extant security scenario compels the corridor to "remain suspended". — NDTV
Congress jabs PM Modi over forgiving students after Jantar Mantar protest Congress jabs PM Modi over forgiving students after Jantar Mantar protest — India Today
Economy & Finance
Tie this to the indicator and its latest figure; recurs in Prelims & Bank GA.
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concludes two-day Bhutan visit Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri concluded his two-day official visit to Bhutan yesterday. During his visit, Mr Misri co-chaired the fifth India-Bhutan Development Cooperation Talks for the 13th Five Year Plan of Bhutan. D — News on AIR · World
US drone company destroyed in Russia's invasion of Ukraine لندن : 31جولائی ( یو این آئی ) دی گارڈین نے رپورٹ کیا کہ 26 جولائی کو کیف پر روسی حملے نے ڈرون بنانے والی ایک امریکی کمپنی کو تباہ — سیاست
Apple set a new revenue record. ممبئی ۔ 31 جولائی (ایجنسیز) امریکہ کی معروف ٹکنالوجی کمپنی ایپل نے تیسری مالی سہ ماہی میں ہندوستان سمیت تمام بڑی عالمی منڈیوں میں آمدنی کا نیا ریکارڈ قائم کیا — سیاست
International Relations
Note the country, the grouping/summit and India's stake — GS-II and General Awareness.
EAM Dr S Jaishankar speaks to Iran Foreign Minister over West Asia hostilities External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi last evening and conveyed India’s deep concerns over the ongoing hostilities in the West Asia region. During the telephonic conver — News on AIR · World
India flags POJK at world stage— Times of India
Modi, Burnham discuss trade, technology, Hormuz over phone The U.K. counterpart Andy Burnham set out his ambitions to further enhance the U.K.-India relationship — The Hindu
Social Issues & Welfare
Map the scheme to its ministry, target group and outlay — GS-II / RBI ESI.
West Bengal census, first phase begins today کولکاتا۔ 31 جولائی (یو این آئی) مغربی بنگال میں ہفتہ، یکم اگست سے قومی مردم شماری کے پہلے مرحلے کا آغاز ہوگا۔ اس بار پہلی مرتبہ شہریوں کو اپنی معلومات — سیاست
Delayed aid, prolonged ordeal For tuberculosis (TB) patients from economically backward regions, financial assistance through government initiatives is as crucial as medication. Delays in disbursing aid are affecting the recovery of patients from acr — The Hindu
High Fat, Sugar And Salt Foods Banned Within School Premises In Karnataka The order issued under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006 stated the ban order is aimed at curbing rising health risks among children after inspections from officials concerned came across refined carbohydrates and — Deccan Chronicle
Environment & Ecology
Prelims staple — link the species/site/treaty and its protection status.
El Niño Puts India's Monsoon at Risk, Adds Fuel to Planet Already on Fire: UN The WMO's outlook shows that through October, nearly every land mass on Earth is expected to be hotter than normal — Deccan Chronicle
Monsoon likely to be ‘below normal’ in Aug-Sept: IMD India's monsoon rainfall is expected to be below normal during August and September. This forecast is influenced by the continuing risk of El Niño, which often weakens the monsoon. July rainfall, however, turned out to b — Times of India
Floods Disrupt Telangana-Maharashtra Road Link; Pranahita Inundates Crops Floodwater was being released downstream from the Sripada Yellampalli Project after five of its 62 gates were lifted following heavy inflows from the catchment area. — Deccan Chronicle
Science & Technology
Remember the agency (ISRO/DRDO), the mission name and its first/largest tag.
Waqf registrations rise by 35,000 in West Bengal after UMEED portal launch Waqf authorities say the increase is largely due to increased registrations and not a sudden increase in the number of existing properties — The Hindu
ISRO calls for stronger academia-industry partnership to power future space missions— The Hindu
Air India Unveils Bhogapuram Flight Schedule In addition, the airline will operate four daily flights between Vijayawada and Bhogapuram, further improving regional connectivity. The new services are expected to strengthen Bhogapuram Airport's position as a key avia — Deccan Chronicle
Defence & Security
Note the platform/exercise, indigenous content and the forces involved.
CWG 2026: India’s finest day in Glasgow yet! Six medals, 10 boxing finalists India produced its biggest day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning six medals to take its tally to 23. Historic judo golds for Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, athletics medals from Tejaswin Shankar, Neeraj Chopra and Yas — Times of India
Non-local labourer killed, another injured in Kulgam terror attack Srinagar: A labourer from Chhattisgarh was killed and another from the same state was injured in a terrorist attack at a brick kiln in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Friday, officials said. The assailants targete — Kashmir Reader
LG directs security forces to step up anti-terror operations Political parties condemn attack Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday condemned the terror attack on non-local labourers in Kulgam district and directed security forces to step up operati — Kashmir Reader
Geography & Disaster Management
Locate it on the map; recall the physical feature or the agency (NDMA).
Railway Tracks Washed Away, Severely Damaged Amid Assam Floods Assam Floods: Railway tracks were washed away due to which rail services had been hit in a major way under Tinsukia Railway division of North East Frontier Railway. — NDTV · Latest
Floods Disrupt Telangana-Maharashtra Road Link; Pranahita Inundates Crops Floodwater was being released downstream from the Sripada Yellampalli Project after five of its 62 gates were lifted following heavy inflows from the catchment area. — Deccan Chronicle
MeT forecasts wet spell till Aug 7 Srinagar: Heavy overnight rainfall triggered flash floods in parts of north Kashmir on Friday, inundating roads and a government school in Bandipora district, while the Meteorological Department forecast intermittent rai — Kashmir Reader
Reports, Indices & Summits
Near-certain GA question — the publisher, India's rank and the metric.
AI selloff knocks South Korea, Taiwan down global market cap rankings ET Intelligence Group: The market capitalisation of South Korea and Taiwan had soared at a faster clip in 2026 until the third week of June, buoyed by meteoric rise in stock prices of semiconductor companies.The fall sin — Economic Times
Sensex, Nifty rise as investors shrug off Iran attack; IT stocks lead fourth straight rally Nifty IT index surges 2.3% for fourth consecutive session, extending its three-day rally to around 8% and its monthly gain to over 17% — The Hindu BusinessLine
J&K accelerates business reforms to boost investment, growth Srinagar: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the concerned Administrative Secretaries to review the progress achieved under the next phase of the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) programme and asses — Kashmir Reader
Art, Culture & History
Link the site/art form to its state, period and UNESCO/GI status.
Bombay HC Gives BMC 7 Days To Clear Garbage Around Mumbai's Heritage Sites, Warns Ward Officers Of Accountability— Free Press Journal
Odisha Floods LIVE Updates: Flood Alert Issued For 5 Districts; Homes, Temples Submerged; Crops Washed Away Heavy rainfall triggered by low pressure as well as a deep depression has aggravated the flood situation in several parts of Odisha. Several districts in the state, including Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Mayurbhanj, Keonjh — OTV
Maa Bhattarika Temple In Cuttack Engulfed By Floodwaters; Section 163 Imposed At Shrine | OTV Maa Bhattarika Temple In Cuttack Engulfed By Floodwaters; Section 163 Imposed At Shrine | OTV #maabhattarikatemple #cuttackfloods #odishafloods #floodalert #templeflooded #cuttack #odishanews #otvnews #otv #otvenglish #o — OTV
Awards & Sports
Quick recall — the winner, the field/event and the host/venue.
CWG 2026: India’s finest day in Glasgow yet! Six medals, 10 boxing finalists India produced its biggest day of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, winning six medals to take its tally to 23. Historic judo golds for Asmita Dey and Harsh Singh, athletics medals from Tejaswin Shankar, Neeraj Chopra and Yas — Times of India
Neeraj Chopra takes silver, Yashvir wins bronze as India secure two medals in javelin at CWG Neeraj, the 28-year-old Tokyo Olympic champion, was not at his best in difficult weather but still managed a season-best throw of 85.83m in his second attempt to finish second. — Times of India
Neeraj Chopra, India's javelin ace, wins silver at Commonwealth Games 2026; Yash Vir Singh takes home bronze Neeraj Chopra wins silver at the Commonwealth Games 2026 with a throw of 85.83m. — HT Sports
Persons & Appointments
Classic who's-who — the person, the post, the predecessor and the body.
J&K’s online G2C services jump from 1,548 to 1,710 Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Friday held a meeting of all the concerned Administrative Secretaries to assess Jammu and Kashmir’s performance on the National e-Governance Service Delivery Assessment (NeSDA) a — Kashmir Reader
Find suitable replacement for HYDRAA chief Ranganath: Telangana HC to Govt The Telangana High Court found HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath guilty of civil contempt for violating court orders by entering disputed land at Lothukunta. Justice Jukanti Anil Kumar directed the Chief Secretary to remo — Telangana Today
Why’s CJI not on panel to pick CEC, Supreme Court asks government The Supreme Court questioned Parliament's decision to exclude the Chief Justice of India from the selection panel. Justices noted the CJI's inclusion in other key appointment committees. The court heard arguments challen — Times of India
🧠 Prelims MCQs
15 current-affairs questions · tap an option to reveal the explanation
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Q1.The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently forecast favourable conditions for the advance of the southwest monsoon. With reference to the IMD, consider the following statements: 1. It is headquartered in New Delhi. 2. It was established in 1875. 3. It functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. 4. The normal date of onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala is 1 June. How many of the statements given above are correct?
The IMD, set up in 1875 and headquartered at New Delhi, functions under the Ministry of Earth Sciences — not the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change — so statement 3 is wrong. The normal onset date over Kerala is 1 June, making statements 1, 2 and 4 correct.
Q2.Jio Platforms recently entered the global top 20 of the WIPO PCT patent rankings. With reference to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), consider the following statements: 1. It is a specialized agency of the United Nations. 2. The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is administered by the World Trade Organization. 3. It publishes the Global Innovation Index. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
WIPO is a UN specialized agency based in Geneva and is the body that administers the Patent Cooperation Treaty, so statement 2 (attributing it to the WTO) is wrong. WIPO also publishes the Global Innovation Index, making statements 1 and 3 correct.
Q3.Tushar Mehta was recently re-appointed Solicitor General of India. In this context, consider the following statements: 1. The office of the Solicitor General of India is provided for in the Constitution. 2. The Attorney General for India is appointed by the President under Article 76. 3. The Solicitor General assists the Attorney General and is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Only the Attorney General is a constitutional office (Article 76); the Solicitor General is a statutory post not mentioned in the Constitution, so statement 1 is wrong. The AG is appointed by the President under Article 76 and the SG is appointed by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, making statements 2 and 3 correct.
Q4.With Iran set to resume oil exports under a new framework, attention has returned to West Asian energy geography. Consider the following statements: 1. Iran is a founding member of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC). 2. The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Aden. 3. The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and the Musandam exclave of Oman. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Iran was among the five founding members of OPEC in 1960, and the Strait of Hormuz indeed lies between Iran and Oman's Musandam exclave, so statements 1 and 3 are correct. The strait connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman (not the Gulf of Aden), making statement 2 wrong.
Q5.The International Day of Yoga was observed across the country, including by the armed forces in the North-East. Consider the following statements: 1. It is observed on 21 June, the summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. 2. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 2014. 3. The Ministry of AYUSH is the nodal ministry for its observance in India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
21 June is the summer solstice and the longest day in the Northern Hemisphere, and the UNGA proclaimed the International Day of Yoga through a resolution adopted in 2014 (first observed in 2015). The Ministry of AYUSH is the nodal ministry, so all three statements are correct.
Q6.The Prime Minister recently commissioned three indigenously built warships. Consider the following pairs: Warship : Description 1. INS Surat : Guided-missile destroyer 2. INS Nilgiri : Scorpene-class submarine 3. INS Vaghsheer : Stealth frigate How many of the pairs are correctly matched?
INS Surat is a Project 15B guided-missile destroyer, so pair 1 is correct. INS Nilgiri is a Project 17A stealth frigate and INS Vaghsheer is a Project 75 Scorpene-class submarine — their descriptions have been swapped, so pairs 2 and 3 are wrong; only one pair is correctly matched.
Q7.India's space economy is projected to grow nearly five-fold over the next decade. With reference to India's space sector, consider the following statements: 1. IN-SPACe is an autonomous nodal agency under the Department of Space. 2. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) is a public sector undertaking under the Department of Space. 3. The Department of Space functions under the Ministry of Science and Technology. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
IN-SPACe is the autonomous single-window nodal agency and NSIL is the commercial PSU, both under the Department of Space, so statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Department of Space is an independent department under the direct charge of the Prime Minister, not the Ministry of Science and Technology, so statement 3 is wrong.
Q8.Devotees gathered at the Kamakhya Temple for the Ambubachi Mela. Consider the following statements: 1. The Kamakhya Temple is located on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati, Assam. 2. It is regarded as one of the Shakti Peethas. 3. The Ambubachi Mela is essentially a Kumbh-style bathing ritual held on the banks of the Ganga. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Kamakhya Temple stands on the Nilachal Hill in Guwahati and is one of the most revered Shakti Peethas, so statements 1 and 2 are correct. The Ambubachi Mela marks the goddess's annual menstruation and is unconnected to any Ganga bathing ritual, so statement 3 is wrong.
Q9.A Manipur militant was recently arrested in a case under the UAPA after two decades. With reference to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, consider the following statements: 1. It was originally enacted in 1967. 2. Its 2019 amendment empowered the Central Government to designate an individual as a terrorist. 3. Offences under the Act are investigated exclusively by the Central Bureau of Investigation. 4. The Act falls under the administrative purview of the Ministry of Law and Justice. How many of the statements given above are correct?
The UAPA was enacted in 1967 and its 2019 amendment allowed the Centre to designate individuals as terrorists, so statements 1 and 2 are correct. It is administered by the Ministry of Home Affairs (not Law and Justice) and is investigated by agencies such as the NIA and state police rather than exclusively the CBI, so statements 3 and 4 are wrong.
Q10.Telangana was recently rated a 'Top Performer' in the Centre's States' Startup Ranking. With reference to the Startup India framework, consider the following statements: 1. The States' Startup Ranking is conducted by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). 2. The DPIIT functions under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 3. An entity is recognized as a startup for up to ten years from its date of incorporation. 4. To retain recognition, a startup's annual turnover must not have exceeded ₹100 crore in any financial year. How many of the statements given above are correct?
The States' Startup Ranking is run by DPIIT, which is under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, so statements 1 and 2 are correct. DPIIT norms recognize an entity as a startup for up to ten years from incorporation and require that annual turnover not exceed ₹100 crore in any financial year, so statements 3 and 4 are also correct — all four hold.
Q11.Consider the following pairs: Item : Descriptor 1. Sukhendu Sekhar Roy : BJP 2. Sushmita Dev : TMC 3. Prakash Chik Baraik : BJP Which of the pairs is/are correctly matched?
Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and Prakash Chik Baraik are correctly matched with the BJP, while Sushmita Dev is correctly matched with the TMC.
Q12.With reference to the news item on NEET-UG 2026 results, consider the following statements: 1. The qualifying rate for women was higher than that for men. 2. The top scorer in the re-test was a woman. 3. The re-test was conducted to address issues with the original exam. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct; the qualifying rate for women was higher than that for men. Statement 2 is also correct; the top scorer in the re-test was a woman. Statement 3 is not correct; the re-test was not conducted to address issues with the original exam.
Q13.With reference to the news item on the Indian-origin man stabbed in the US, consider the following statements: 1. The victim was a Muslim. 2. The attack was motivated by religious intolerance. 3. The US government has taken steps to prevent such attacks. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct; the victim was a Muslim. Statement 2 is also correct; the attack was motivated by religious intolerance. Statement 3 is not correct; the US government has not taken steps to prevent such attacks.
Q14.With reference to the news item on the NIA chargesheet, consider the following statements: 1. Hafiz Saeed is accused of orchestrating the cross-border conspiracy. 2. LeT and TRF are charged as legal entities for their role in planning, facilitating, and executing the attack. 3. The NIA has collected sufficient evidence to prove the charges. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct; Hafiz Saeed is accused of orchestrating the cross-border conspiracy. Statement 2 is also correct; LeT and TRF are charged as legal entities for their role in planning, facilitating, and executing the attack. Statement 3 is not correct; the NIA has not stated that it has collected sufficient evidence to prove the charges.
Q15.With reference to the news item on the monsoon session, consider the following statements: 1. The government aims to reintroduce its ambitious women's reservation bill in the upcoming monsoon session. 2. Speaker Om Birla's decision on defecting MPs could bolster the ruling alliance's numbers. 3. The government is confident of passing key bills in the monsoon session. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Statement 1 is correct; the government aims to reintroduce its ambitious women's reservation bill in the upcoming monsoon session. Statement 2 is also correct; Speaker Om Birla's decision on defecting MPs could bolster the ruling alliance's numbers. Statement 3 is not correct; the government is not confident of passing key bills in the monsoon session.
3 analytical questions, each with a structured model answer
Attempt each in your notebook first, then expand the model answer to self-assess.
GS-I15 marks · 250 wordsQ1.Examine. Discuss the implications of the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, on the Indian Parliament's legislative agenda, considering the potential impact on freedom of speech and expression.▸ Model answer
The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has been cleared by the Rajya Sabha, raising concerns about the potential impact on freedom of speech and expression.
The bill's amendment to make deliberate insult of Vande Mataram a punishable offence could have significant implications for freedom of speech and expression, potentially leading to self-censorship and a more restrictive media landscape.
The bill's passage could also be influenced by the government's desire to promote national unity and pride, potentially leading to a more restrictive approach to dissent and criticism.
However, the bill's passage may also be influenced by the opposition's concerns about the erosion of civil liberties, potentially leading to a more vocal and critical approach to governance.
The Indian Parliament's legislative agenda will depend on the complex interplay of factors, including the government's strategy, the opposition's response, and the level of public engagement.
Way forward. The Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, has significant implications for freedom of speech and expression, and its passage will depend on the complex interplay of factors, including the government's strategy and the opposition's response.
GS-I10 marks · 150 wordsQ2.Discuss. Examine the implications of the Lok Sabha passing the anti-paper leak Bill with up to 10-year jail and Rs 10 crore fine.▸ Model answer
The Lok Sabha's passage of the anti-paper leak Bill has significant implications for the country's education system.
The bill's provisions for up to 10-year jail and Rs 10 crore fine may deter students from engaging in paper leak activities.
However, the bill's effectiveness in preventing paper leaks remains uncertain, as it may not address the root causes of the problem.
The bill's passage may also lead to increased scrutiny of students and teachers, potentially affecting their reputation and livelihood.
The bill's provisions may also be seen as an overreach of government authority, potentially infringing on students' rights to freedom of expression.
Way forward. The bill's passage highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to addressing the issue of paper leaks, one that balances the need for accountability with the need to protect students' rights.
GS-I15 marks · 250 wordsQ3.Discuss. Comment on the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan as Education Minister, and its implications for the government.▸ Model answer
Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation as Education Minister has significant implications for the government's education policies.
Pradhan's resignation highlights the government's inability to address the concerns of students and teachers, particularly in the wake of the leaked exam papers.
The government's handling of the situation has been criticized for being inadequate, leading to widespread protests and calls for Pradhan's resignation.
Pradhan's resignation may also lead to a re-evaluation of the government's education policies, potentially resulting in more effective measures to prevent paper leaks and improve the education system.
The resignation may also affect the government's ability to implement its education agenda, potentially leading to a loss of momentum in the sector.
Way forward. Pradhan's resignation highlights the need for the government to take a more proactive approach to addressing the concerns of students and teachers, and to develop more effective measures to improve the education system.
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