UPSC current affairs · Wednesday

Current Affairs, 1 July 2026

6 issues picked from 53 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G). VB-G RAM G Act starts nationwide, giving 125 days of rural wage work and higher wages.
GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation). PIB explains GAGAN, India's SBAS, after its first satellite-based landing approach on a commercial jet.
Ship Recycling in India and Hong Kong Convention. Three Indian yards become eligible for EU ship recycling listing; India's global share rises to 35.4%.
High Level Committee on Demographic Changes. Demography committee briefs Amit Shah on State visits and questionnaire; asked to report early.
National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026. Health Ministry reissues draft Bill to replace Pharmacy Act, 1948 with a National Pharmacy Commission.
Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling. NHAI extends barrier-free MLFF tolling to a second Delhi-Jaipur NH-48 plaza, Manoharpura.

Law and statutory body

Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G)

GS2 Welfare schemesGS3 Inclusive growthPrelims and Mains

Why in news: The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 came into force across India on 1 July 2026, with revised wage rates notified. A national launch is set for 2 July 2026 at Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh.
What it is: The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 is a Central law on rural wage employment. It gives eligible rural households a statutory entitlement to guaranteed wage employment and aims at durable rural assets and livelihoods. It takes the place of the earlier rural employment guarantee framework under which households had 100 days of work.

Wage floor: No notified daily wage anywhere in the country will be below ₹300.
National average wage: The national average notified wage rose from ₹298.8 to ₹327.4 per day, an increase of over 10 per cent.
Interim allocation: The Centre has released an interim allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore to States and UTs.
Launch venue: The National Launch Programme is on 2 July 2026 at Mukkavaripalle Village, Tirupati District, Andhra Pradesh.
Ministry: The Act is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
Days of guaranteed work: The statutory guarantee rises from 100 to 125 days for every eligible rural household.
Commencement date: The Act comes into force across rural India from July 1, 2026.
Role of Gram Panchayats: The Act places Gram Panchayats at the centre, stressing durable assets, water conservation, SHGs and convergence with other rural programmes.
State readiness: 29 States/UTs have made budget provisions and 24 States have notified the VB-G RAM G State Scheme.
Job card transition: Existing e-KYC verified job cards stay valid until new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
Commencement: The Act is to be rolled out nationwide from 1 July 2026, notified on 11 May 2026.
Repeal of MGNREGA: MGNREGA, 2005 stands repealed from the date the new Act commences.
Guarantee: Each rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work is entitled to 125 days of wage employment every financial year.
Unemployment allowance: If work is not given within the prescribed time after demand, workers are entitled to unemployment allowance.
Funding pattern: Centrally Sponsored Scheme under Section 22. Sharing is 90:10 for North-Eastern States, Himalayan States and UTs (Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, J&K), and 60:40 for all other States and UTs with legislature.
State scheme: Under Section 3(1), each State must notify a Scheme consistent with the Act within six months of its commencement.
Normative allocation: The Central Government decides State-wise normative allocation on objective parameters it prescribes (Section 22(4)).
Type of scheme: Section 22 makes the scheme a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Fund sharing: The Centre-State ratio is 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, and 60:40 for all other States and UTs with legislature.
State-wise allocation: Under Section 22(4), the Centre decides each State's normative allocation on objective parameters it prescribes.
Special relaxations: In disasters or pandemics, States may recommend relaxations. The Centre can allow wider permissible works, relaxed documentation and temporarily more employment.
Plan approval: The Gram Panchayat prepares the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan and the Gram Sabha approves it (Schedule I, para 5(2)).
50% works through Gram Panchayats: At least half of the total works, by cost, must be implemented through Gram Panchayats.
Gati Shakti link: Village plans are integrated with PM Gati Shakti, use geospatial systems, and are aggregated at Block, District, State and National levels.
Guaranteed days: At least 125 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year, up from 100 days.
Women's participation: At least one-third participation of women is mandatory, with special job cards for women-headed households and single women.
Crèche: A crèche is to be provided at worksites where five or more children under five accompany working women.
Councils: One-third women representation is mandatory in the Central and State Rojgar Guarantee Councils.
Work themes: Works are prioritised under four themes: water security, core rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure and mitigation of extreme weather events.
Nature of scheme: The scheme under the Act is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
Allocation: The Centre fixes State-wise normative allocation on objective parameters, under Section 22(4).
Planning: Works are chosen through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans approved by the Gram Sabha and aggregated up to the national level, in four thematic domains.
Four thematic domains: Water security works, core rural infrastructure, livelihood infrastructure, and special works for extreme weather events and disaster preparedness.
Allocation to States: The Central Government determines State-wise normative allocation on objective parameters it prescribes (Section 22(4)).
Planning link: Works are planned through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, integrated with PM Gati Shakti and aggregated at Block, District, State and National levels.
Wage payment: Wages must be paid within one week. If payment is delayed beyond 15 days, workers get 0.05 percent extra as interest on dues.
Role of Gram Sabha: The Gram Sabha takes the decision on which village-related works are to be undertaken.
Women's share: 33 percent of the work under the scheme is reserved for women.
Farm work window: State governments can notify deployment of workers for agricultural operations for a maximum of 60 days during sowing and harvesting.
Administrative expenditure: Administrative expenditure is raised from 6 percent to 9 percent to avoid delays in payments to employment assistants.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G vs MGNREGA: MGNREGA, 2005 guaranteed 100 days of work per household. VB-G RAM G raises the entitlement to 125 days and adds a focus on durable assets and livelihoods.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G Act vs earlier rural employment guarantee law: The new Act raises the guarantee from 100 to 125 days and replaces the earlier framework; the 100-day figure belongs to the old one.

Don’t confuse with Interim allocation vs final allocation: The ₹95,692.31 crore is an interim sum for a smooth start, not the full annual allocation.

Don’t confuse with VB–G RAM G vs MGNREGA: MGNREGA, 2005 gave 100 days and is repealed; VB–G RAM G gives 125 days from 1 July 2026.

Don’t confuse with Notification vs commencement: The notification was on 11 May 2026; the Act applies from 1 July 2026.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G vs earlier 100-day framework: The new Act raises the guarantee to 125 days, makes the scheme Centrally Sponsored with normative allocation, and adds an off-season employment guarantee.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G vs the earlier rural employment guarantee: The earlier framework gave 100 days of work. The 2025 Act guarantees 125 days.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G vs MGNREGS: MGNREGS gave 100 days of work; VB-G RAM G gives 125 days and adds Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans linked to PM Gati Shakti.

Don’t confuse with Gram Panchayat vs Gram Sabha: The Gram Panchayat is the elected village body that prepares plans and executes works; the Gram Sabha of village voters approves plans and conducts social audits.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G Act vs MGNREGA: The new Act gives 125 days of guaranteed work; the earlier framework gave 100 days.

Don’t confuse with VB-G RAM G Act vs earlier MGNREGA: The earlier framework guaranteed 100 days of work; VB-G RAM G guarantees 125 days and adds thematic works and a digital governance layer.

Don’t confuse with Centrally Sponsored vs Central Sector Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Schemes share cost with States; Central Sector Schemes are fully funded by the Centre.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

Why it matters

Raises the statutory work guarantee to 125 days and lifts wages, supporting rural income and livelihood security.
Targets durable assets, natural resource conservation and women-led development.
Raises the legal guarantee of wage work to 125 days, improving rural income security.
Focus on durable assets, water conservation and convergence can build rural infrastructure and livelihoods.
Gram Panchayat-centred planning supports decentralised, participatory governance.
Raises the statutory guarantee from 100 to 125 days, strengthening livelihood security and rural incomes.
Keeps the legal right to work, with unemployment allowance and delay compensation as enforcement tools.
Makes Gram Panchayats central to rural development planning.
Raises the statutory wage guarantee, improving income and livelihood security for rural households.
Mandatory off-season work gives support when farm work is scarce.
Large outlay supports rural asset creation and demand.
Raises the statutory work guarantee to 125 days, adding to rural income security.
Demand-driven design with State partnership supports cooperative federalism.
Strengthens decentralised planning by making Panchayats at three tiers the principal authorities.
Raises the guarantee to 125 days, adding to rural livelihood security.
Geospatial, Gati Shakti-linked plans promote convergence and durable assets.
Higher guaranteed days raise rural income security and consumption smoothing.
Women-centric provisions promote gender-inclusive employment and support SHGs.
Focus on durable and climate-resilient assets links wage work to livelihoods.
Raises the statutory guarantee of rural work from 100 to 125 days, strengthening income security.
Links works to water security, rural infrastructure and disaster resilience through local plans.
Raises the statutory guarantee to 125 days, supporting rural income security.
Ties wage work to durable assets, water security and climate resilience.
Digital tools like biometrics, GPS monitoring and AI audits aim to cut leakages.
Gives rural households a stronger legal work guarantee and a safety net through more days and an unemployment allowance.
Gram Sabha control over works ties employment to local needs such as water conservation and disaster mitigation.

Problems

States must share costs and keep up timely wage payment, which strains finances.
Real delivery depends on demand-based work, administration capacity and transparent payments.
States must share costs and prepare schemes, and uneven readiness could delay work and wage payments.
Technology-based verification and new cards may exclude workers with poor connectivity or documents.
Transition risk: rules on transition, allocation and grievance redressal are still being drafted.
Fiscal burden on States, which share the cost, and dependence on Central normative allocation.
Technology-linked requirements such as e-KYC and DBT can exclude workers.
The 60:40 sharing and normative allocation may strain finances of poorer States.
Centrally fixed allocation may limit a demand-driven entitlement.
Timely wage payment, State scheme notification and capacity remain hurdles.
States must pay 40% in most cases, which strains finances.
Central fixing of normative allocations may limit the demand-driven character.
Panchayats may lack technical staff and capacity for geospatial planning and record-keeping.
Dependence on digital systems can exclude workers with poor connectivity.
Funding and timely wage payment depend on Centre-State coordination.
Timely wage payment and paying the unemployment allowance depend on state capacity and funds.
Critics may argue that changes to the earlier framework could weaken its demand-driven nature.
The 60:40 sharing may strain finances of poorer States.
Biometric and digital monitoring may exclude workers with poor connectivity or authentication failures.
Centre-set normative allocation may limit demand-driven work.
States must bear 40% (or 10%) of costs, straining finances of poorer States.
Centre-set normative allocation may limit demand-driven work and State autonomy.
Biometric and digital dependence can exclude workers in areas with poor connectivity.
Faster wage payment and interest on delays depend on states' capacity and fund flow.
Allowing farm work for up to 60 days must not dilute the purpose of creating durable rural assets.

Way forward

Release funds on time and pay wages without delay.
Use the new software platform for transparency and social audit of works.
Ensure timely wage payment and adequate funds to States, with regular social audits.
Build Gram Panchayat capacity for planning and asset creation, with support for digital access.
Publish the rules quickly after public consultation so the transition is smooth.
Support States with timely funds and e-KYC facilitation, never denying work for pending e-KYC.
Strengthen grievance redressal and social audit so wage payment and work demand are enforced.
Keep allocation flexible enough to meet actual demand.
Ensure timely payment of wages and the Centre's share.
Build State capacity and social audit to ensure assets are durable.
Use clear, objective allocation parameters and release funds on time.
Focus spending on durable rural assets.
Build Panchayat capacity with technical staff and training.
Ensure regular Gram Sabha social audits with public disclosure of records.
Keep offline options and grievance redressal for workers facing digital barriers.
Ensure time-bound wage payment and effective social audits.
Converge works with Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans and ensure strong grievance redressal.
Ensure fallback to manual verification so no worker is excluded.
Keep funds flowing on time and allocation responsive to actual demand.
Strengthen Gram Sabha role and social audits in planning.
Ensure timely fund release and wage payment, with fiscal support for weaker States.
Keep non-digital fallback for authentication and strengthen social audits and Gram Sabha role.
Issue clear instructions with states and strengthen monitoring and social audit so timely payment is enforced.
Build Gram Panchayat capacity to plan village-specific works.

Put in your answer

Interim allocation: Cite the ₹95,692.31 crore interim release as the Centre's funding for rollout.

Guarantee raised: Statutory entitlement increased from 100 to 125 days per eligible rural household.

State readiness data: 29 States/UTs made budget provisions and 24 States notified the State Scheme before rollout.

Fiscal federalism angle: Section 22 makes it a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 90:10 and 60:40 sharing, a case of cooperative federalism and cost burden on States.

Fund sharing: Centre-State ratio of 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States, 60:40 for others, shows differentiated cooperative federalism.

Section 16 role of Panchayats: Panchayats at all three levels are the principal authorities for planning, implementation and monitoring, a decentralisation point in answers on grassroots governance.

Social audit: Records must be placed before the Gram Sabha for social audits, supporting transparency and accountability.

Women's participation: Women's participation under MGNREGS has been above 50% in the last three financial years and in 2025-26.

Livelihood infrastructure: Assets such as SHG buildings, work sheds, nurseries, livestock shelters and rural haats strengthen women and SHGs.

Digital governance: Biometric authentication, GPS or mobile worksite monitoring, real-time dashboards and AI for audits and fraud risk.

Funding split: 60:40 for most States and 90:10 for NE and Himalayan States shows differentiated cooperative federalism.

Accountability: Delayed wages now attract 0.05 percent extra interest on dues after 15 days, so those responsible bear the cost of delays.

Test yourselfMains

True or false?

1 of 40

Statements the way Prelims prints them. Say first, then see the fact.

1.The Act keeps the earlier entitlement of 100 days of employment per eligible rural household.
2.Following the notification of revised rates, no notified daily wage in any State or UT is below ₹300.
3.The Act is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development.
4.The National Launch Programme of the Act is to be held in Tirupati district of Telangana.
5.The Act comes into force across rural India from July 1, 2026.
6.The Act makes Block Panchayats the central unit of rural transformation in place of Gram Panchayats.
7.The Act is administered by the Ministry of Rural Development, whose Union Minister also holds the Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare portfolio.
8.The interim allocation to States and UTs for the rollout is ₹95,692.31 crore.
9.The Act will come into force on 11 May 2026, the date of its notification.
10.MGNREGA, 2005 stands repealed when the new Act comes into force.
11.If work is not provided within the prescribed time after demand, the worker has no remedy under the Act.
12.Existing e-KYC verified MGNREGA job cards remain valid under the new Act until Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards are issued.
13.The ₹95,692.31 crore allocation for 2026–27 is the total programme outlay including State contributions.
14.The scheme under the Act is a Central Sector Scheme funded wholly by the Centre.
15.For Himalayan States such as Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh, the Centre-State sharing ratio is 90:10.
16.For States other than North-Eastern and Himalayan States, the Centre bears 90 per cent of the cost.
17.Each State must notify its own Scheme consistent with the Act within six months of commencement.
18.State-wise normative allocation is fixed by each State Government on its own parameters.
19.Under the Act, the Viksit Gram Panchayat Plan is prepared by the Programme Officer and approved by the Block Panchayat.
20.At least fifty percent of the total works, in cost terms, are to be implemented through Gram Panchayats.
21.The intermediate-level Panchayat finalises the aggregate district-level plan under the Act.
22.The Gram Panchayat registers households and issues Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards under the Scheme.
23.Under the Act, muster rolls, bills and vouchers are placed before the Block Panchayat for social audit.
24.Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans are integrated with PM Gati Shakti and aggregated at Block, District, State and National levels.
25.The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 guarantees at least 125 days of wage employment per rural household per financial year.
26.Under the Act, an unemployment allowance is payable if work is not provided within the stipulated time.
27.The Act makes at least half of the participation of women mandatory.
28.Crèche facilities are required at worksites where five or more children under five years accompany working women.
29.The Act requires one-third women representation in the Central and State Rojgar Guarantee Councils.
30.The four priority themes of works under the Act include defence infrastructure.
31.For most States, the Centre and State share the cost in a 60:40 ratio.
32.The 90:10 sharing pattern applies to the North-Eastern and Himalayan States and the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.
33.State-wise normative allocation under the Act is decided by each State Government on its own parameters.
34.Works under the Act are identified through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans prepared and approved by the Gram Sabha.
35.The Act confines works to a single theme, rural roads.
36.The scheme under the Act is a Central Sector Scheme funded wholly by the Union Government.
37.Under the Act, the Centre-State funding ratio is 60:40 for most States, and 90:10 for North-Eastern and Himalayan States.
38.Special works to mitigate extreme weather events and prepare for disasters are one of the thematic domains of works under the Act.
39.The Act provides for works to be identified through Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans, which are integrated with PM Gati Shakti.
40.The Act has five thematic domains of works, including a separate domain for urban infrastructure.

Written by us from the release, not by UPSC; checked by a second model.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Rural Development, 1 Jul, 18:22 IST · Release 290746

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Science and technology

GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)

GS3 Science and technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 July 2026, PIB published a backgrounder on GAGAN. It notes that in June 2026 the DGCA conducted India's first satellite-based landing approach on a commercial jet using GAGAN.
What it is: GAGAN is India's Satellite-Based Augmentation System, built jointly by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India. It corrects GPS signals and gives integrity alerts so aircraft can navigate and approach runways safely. It is separate from NavIC, India's own regional navigation satellite constellation.

Developers: GAGAN was developed jointly by ISRO and the Airports Authority of India.
Satellites: GSAT-8, GSAT-10 and GSAT-15 carry GAGAN payloads. They are geostationary.
Interoperability: GAGAN works with the US WAAS, European EGNOS and Japanese MSAS. It is the first SBAS certified for the equatorial region.
Status: GAGAN has been fully operational since 2015.
GAGAN vs NavIC: GAGAN improves GPS signals. NavIC is an independent regional navigation system.

Don’t confuse with GAGAN vs NavIC: GAGAN is an SBAS that corrects GPS for aviation. NavIC is India's own regional satellite constellation giving positioning and timing.

Science and technology: 57 Prelims questions since 2013; most test the concept behind the news, not the news itself. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB Headquarters, 1 Jul, 14:50 IST · Release 290716

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Economy

Ship Recycling in India and Hong Kong Convention

GS3 Infrastructure - MaritimeGS3 EnvironmentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 July 2026, Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and EU Commissioner Jessika Roswall reviewed the process for Indian ship recycling yards to be recognised under the EU Ship Recycling Regulation. Three Indian yards have completed compliance and can now apply for inclusion.
What it is: Ship recycling is the safe and environmentally sound dismantling of ships at the end of their life, recovering steel and other materials. India's main hub is the Alang-Sosiya cluster in Gujarat. The sector is governed by the Ship Recycling Act, 2019 and the Hong Kong Convention, which sets binding safety and environmental standards.

Global rank and share: India ranked first in ship recycling in 2025 per UNCTAD. Its share rose from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.
Hong Kong Convention in force: The Convention came into force on 26 June 2025, making compliance mandatory.
Alang-Sosiya: The Gujarat cluster handles about 98% of India's ship recycling activity.
Hong Kong Convention background: The Convention was adopted in 2009 under the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
Yards seeking EU recognition: More than 30 Indian yards have applied for EU recognition. Six are in the compliance and approval process.
Yards eligible to apply: Three yards have completed all compliance procedures and are eligible to apply for inclusion under the EUSRR.
India's global share: Per UNCTAD estimates, India's share rose from 30.1% in 2024 to 35.4% in 2025.
Joint Working Group: The EU Commissioner proposed a Joint Working Group with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant bodies. The matter will go to EU member states in the autumn session before any final decision.

Don’t confuse with Hong Kong Convention vs Basel Convention: The Hong Kong Convention is an IMO instrument specific to ship recycling. The Basel Convention, under UNEP, governs transboundary movement of hazardous wastes.

Don’t confuse with Ship Recycling Act vs Rules vs Regulations: The Act (2019) is the primary law. The Rules (2021) and Regulations (2026) set procedural, technical and operational details.

Don’t confuse with Basel Convention vs Hong Kong Convention: The Basel Convention (UNEP) controls transboundary movement of hazardous wastes. The Hong Kong Convention (IMO) deals specifically with ship recycling.

Don’t confuse with EUSRR vs Hong Kong Convention: The EUSRR is EU law that lists approved yards for EU-flagged ships. The Hong Kong Convention is an international IMO treaty.

Economy terms and data: 42 Prelims questions since 2013, rising in recent years; they test what a term or instrument means. In Mains, 12 news-triggered questions.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Shipping, 1 Jul, 20:18 IST · Release 290753

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

High Level Committee on Demographic Changes

GS2 GovernanceGS1 Population and societyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 July 2026, the High Level Committee on Demographic Changes called on Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. It told him of its plan to visit States/UTs and consult Union Ministries, and he asked for its recommendations at the earliest.
What it is: The High Level Committee on Demographic Changes is a government-constituted panel set up after the Prime Minister announced a 'High-powered Demography Mission' on 15 August 2025. It is meant to study demographic change from illegal immigration and other abnormal causes and suggest policy, legislative and administrative measures.

Origin: The Prime Minister announced the 'High-powered Demography Mission' on 15 August 2025. The committee was constituted after this.
Mandate: It studies demographic changes arising from illegal immigration and other abnormal reasons, and suggests measures to deal with them.
Chairman: Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar (Retd) chairs the committee.
Members: Members include the Census Commissioner, a retired IAS officer, a retired IPS officer and Dr Shamika Ravi of the PMEAC.
Method: It has prepared a questionnaire for States/UTs and will visit them and consult Union Ministries.
Nature of body: A committee set up by executive decision, without a statute behind it. Its recommendations are not binding.

Don’t confuse with Census Commissioner vs Registrar General: In India the Registrar General of India also holds the office of Census Commissioner, under the Ministry of Home Affairs. Do not treat the committee as a census body.

Don’t confuse with Committee vs Commission of Inquiry: This committee is an executive-appointed panel. A Commission of Inquiry is set up under the Commissions of Inquiry Act, 1952.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: A lasting topic tied to the announced Demography Mission, but the committee has no report yet and no testable provisions; a question is unlikely.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 1 Jul, 15:17 IST · Release 290723

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Law and statutory body

National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026

GS2 Health governancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 July 2026 the Health Ministry put out a revised draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026 and invited public comments till 31 July 2026. The Bill would replace the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
What it is: The Pharmacy Act, 1948 set up the Pharmacy Council of India to regulate pharmacy education and the profession. The draft National Pharmacy Commission Bill, 2026 proposes a new Commission in its place. It is still a draft, not law, and has not been introduced in Parliament.

Proposed body: The draft Bill proposes to set up the National Pharmacy Commission.
Law to be repealed: The Bill would repeal the Pharmacy Act, 1948.
Existing regulator: The Pharmacy Act, 1948 created the Pharmacy Council of India, the current statutory regulator of pharmacy education.

Don’t confuse with Pharmacy Council of India vs National Pharmacy Commission: The Council is the existing body under the 1948 Act. The Commission is the proposed body under the 2026 draft Bill.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: A draft bill to replace the Pharmacy Act, 1948, open for comments only. Worth reading, but a draft gives no settled provisions to test.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 1 Jul, 16:42 IST · Release 290729

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Scheme

Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling

GS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 1 July 2026, NHAI announced the launch of Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling at Manoharpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan. Rajasthan's first MLFF site, Daulatpura, began on 19 June 2026.
What it is: Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) is a barrier-less tolling system on National Highways. Vehicles pass toll points without stopping, and the fee is collected electronically. It combines number plate recognition cameras with FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection.

Where launched: MLFF went live at Manoharpura Toll Plaza on the Delhi-Jaipur section of NH-48 in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan's first: Rajasthan's first MLFF system was rolled out at Daulatpura Toll Plaza on 19 June 2026. Shahjahanpur plaza is planned next.
Technology: The system links ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) with FASTag-based Electronic Toll Collection.
E-Notice rule: Users with low balance or an invalid FASTag get an E-Notice and must pay the normal fee within 72 hours.
Penalty: If not paid after 72 hours, the fee is charged at twice the normal rate for the vehicle category.
Payment channels: E-Notices can be paid through the designated Parivahan portal and the Rajmargyatra App.
Location: First MLFF toll is at Chorayasi Toll Plaza, Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48, Gujarat.
E-Notice: Users with low balance or an invalid FASTag get an E-Notice and must pay the normal fee within 72 hours.
Consequence of non-payment: Unpaid E-Notices may lead to FASTag blacklisting and restriction of other vehicle services through VAHAN.
Implementing agency: NHAI, under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, runs National Highway toll collection.
Where: The first MLFF system is at Chorayasi Toll Plaza on the Surat–Bharuch section of NH-48 in Gujarat.
Expected benefits: It is expected to cut travel time, decongest highways, save fuel, lower emissions and reduce human intervention in toll operations.
Ministry: It is run under the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, which announced the launch.
Payment modes: Only FASTag or UPI are accepted for user fee payment at National Highway fee plazas.
Exempt areas: Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Assam, West Bengal and Puducherry are not covered yet because of the Model Code of Conduct during elections.
Nodal ministry: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways issued the announcement; NHAI collects fees on National Highways.
MLFF technology: MLFF uses number plate recognition cameras with FASTag-based electronic toll collection, so vehicles need not stop.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag-only plazas: FASTag plazas still have barriers and lanes where vehicles slow or stop. MLFF has no barriers and vehicles do not stop.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag ETC: FASTag uses RFID at a plaza with barriers or lanes; MLFF is barrier-less and adds ANPR cameras so vehicles need not stop.

Don’t confuse with ANPR vs RFID: ANPR reads number plates through cameras; RFID reads the FASTag tag by radio.

Don’t confuse with MLFF vs FASTag: FASTag is the RFID tag and payment method. MLFF is the barrier-less toll system that uses FASTag along with number plate cameras.

Don’t confuse with FASTag vs MLFF: FASTag is an RFID-based prepaid tag for electronic payment at toll plazas. MLFF is a barrier-less system that uses it together with cameras.

Don’t confuse with FASTag vs UPI: FASTag is linked to the vehicle windscreen tag and its account. UPI is an instant interbank mobile payment system run by NPCI.

Schemes: 52 Prelims questions since 2013, 10 in Prelims 2026 alone. They test features, the period and who funds it. In Mains, 33 news-triggered questions, mostly GS3.

Why it matters

Zero waiting time saves time and fuel and cuts vehicle emissions at toll locations.
Removes the need for physical toll plazas, lowering operational costs and improving transparency.
Barrier-less tolling cuts congestion, travel time, fuel use and vehicular emissions.
It improves transparency and lowers the cost of building and running toll plazas.
Removes stops at toll plazas, saving time and fuel and lowering emissions.
Supports digitisation and transparency in toll collection and faster logistics movement.
Cuts cash handling, leakage and delays at plazas, and improves transparency.
Builds the base for barrier-less MLFF tolling and better fuel efficiency.

Problems

Users must keep sufficient FASTag balance, or face E-Notices and a double fee.
Depends on accurate number plate reading and working FASTags, which can raise disputes.
Vehicles with low balance or invalid FASTag depend on E-Notice recovery, which can cause disputes and leakage.
Camera-based reading needs clear, standard number plates and raises data privacy concerns.
Vehicles without valid FASTag or with unreadable plates may escape or dispute charges, so enforcement and recovery need a strong system.
Camera-based tracking raises data privacy and surveillance concerns.
Users without FASTag or smartphones, and weak network at remote plazas, may face problems.
Phasing is uneven, since five regions are exempt during elections.

Way forward

Extend MLFF in phases to other busy corridors, as planned for Shahjahanpur.
Make E-Notice payment easy through the portal and app, with clear user awareness.
Scale up in phases after reviewing performance at Chorayasi, with strong grievance redressal.
Enforce high-security number plates and set data protection safeguards for tolling images.
Link number plate recognition with e-challan and vehicle registration databases to recover dues.
Set clear data protection rules and a grievance process before scaling to more highways.
Keep help desks and easy FASTag recharge options for users.
Extend the system to the exempt regions after the elections and scale up MLFF with strong enforcement against non-payment.

Put in your answer

First-day usage: About 41,500 vehicles crossed the MLFF toll location on day one.

Stated benefits: NHAI says MLFF will reduce congestion, improve travel time, enhance fuel efficiency and lower emissions.

Digital-only tolling: Digital-only plazas can be cited as an example of e-governance and digital payments reform in highway infrastructure.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 1 Jul, 16:46 IST · Release 290730

Issue page →

Worth revising until Prelims 2028: most news questions come within two years of the event.

Quick facts

SHE-LEAPS, a digital app for SHG women's enterprises built by Digital India Corporation on the LokOS platform, was launched on 29 June 2026.
MECON Limited (Ranchi, est. 1959, under Ministry of Steel) was granted Miniratna Category-I status.
Air Marshal Tejinder Singh took over as Chief of Integrated Defence Staff (CISC) on 1 July 2026.
Cabinet approved an 8.1 km six-lane twin-tube road tunnel (Dwarka Expressway to Vasant Kunj, Rs 6,969.67 crore, HAM), passing beneath the Southern Ridge.
Cabinet approved the 117.7 km Kanpur-Kabrai access-controlled greenfield highway on BOT (Toll), Rs 7,145.14 crore, part of the Bhopal-Kanpur Economic Corridor.
AI was used to analyse Kodaikanal Solar Observatory's hand-drawn Sun charts (1916-2007) to track magnetically active regions; study led by ARIES (DST).
India's first Private Point-in-Space (PinS) instrument approach for helicopters was approved at Undavalli Heliport, developed by AAI and approved by DGCA.

Source: PIB, 1 Jul

What we left out: 40 of 53 releases

Visit schedules and tours (4)
Condolences and greetings (3)
Same issue as another release (4)
Speeches without a decision (4)
Routine drive tests (3)
Routine appointments (7)
Ceremonies and campaigns (7)
Routine seizures (2)
Routine project approvals (1)
Routine MoUs (1)
Routine bilateral meetings (1)
Review meetings (3)

Practise the day’s news

In UPSC’s formats, inside each issue. The answer and why come after you choose.

1Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G)MCQ · 40 true or false · Mains
2GAGAN (GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation)MCQ · 6 true or false
3Ship Recycling in India and Hong Kong ConventionMCQ · 7 true or false
4Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) TollingMCQ · 6 true or false · Mains

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The VB-G RAM G Act, 2025 came into force on 1 July 2026, raising the statutory entitlement to guaranteed rural wage employment from 100 to 125 days and notifying revised wage rates. Examine the main provisions of the Act and discuss the challenges in implementing it effectively.

From: Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 (VB-G RAM G)

Write and get it marked

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