UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 16 July 2026

8 issues picked from 43 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

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms. Draft CAFE-III fuel economy norms for passenger cars, 2027-28 to 2031-32, opened for public comment.
UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik). Modified UDAN changes fares, funding, aerodrome and route rules for regional air connectivity.
NITI Aayog Roadmap for Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035. NITI Aayog's roadmap targets a $691 billion bioeconomy by 2035 through six National BioMissions.
India's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train. India's first hydrogen fuel cell train starts on Jind-Sonipat, Haryana, on 17 July 2026.
PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement). MoHUA approves guidelines for PARIVARTAN, the NCR scheme to replace old polluting trucks and buses.
Codex Alimentarius Commission. Codex adopts India-led standards for large cardamom, coriander and vanilla; India co-chairs a new risk-analysis working group.
ICMR i-DRONE Initiative. ICMR i-DRONE study: drones cut TB diagnosis time from 15 to 5 days.
National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) and InvITs. NHIT hires consultants to professionally maintain 908 km of highways held under the InvIT.

Environment

Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms

GS3 Environment and Energy EfficiencyGS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, the Ministry of Power circulated the draft CAFE-III norms (2027) for public consultation. Feedback is due by 6 August 2026.
What it is: CAFE norms set a fleet-wide average fuel consumption or CO2 emission limit for each car maker, rather than for each model. They are issued under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is the agency that implements them. They aim to cut oil use and vehicle emissions.

Draft issued by: The Ministry of Power circulated the draft CAFE-III norms for stakeholder consultation.
Vehicles covered: The norms are proposed for M1 category passenger vehicles made or imported for sale in India.
Period: The proposed compliance period runs from 2027-28 to 2031-32, five financial years.
Consultation deadline: Feedback must reach the Ministry by 6 August 2026.
Legal basis: CAFE norms in India are framed under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001, and implemented by the Bureau of Energy Efficiency.

Don’t confuse with CAFE vs BS emission norms: CAFE limits fleet-average fuel use or CO2 per kilometre. Bharat Stage norms limit tailpipe pollutants like NOx and particulates.

Don’t confuse with CAFE norms vs BEE star labelling: CAFE is a mandatory manufacturer-level fleet target. Star labelling rates the efficiency of appliances for buyers.

Environment: Prelims tests bodies, programmes and the law behind them; Mains asks why plans fall short.

Test yourselfMains

Source: PIB, Ministry of Power, 16 Jul, 12:05 IST · Release 291298

Issue page →

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

Scheme

UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)

GS3 Infrastructure · AviationGS2 Centre-StatePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, the Civil Aviation Ministry held a stakeholder workshop in New Delhi on the next phase of UDAN. The Minister explained the Modified UDAN scheme, launched on 4 July 2026, and the UDAN Scheme Document was released.
What it is: UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) is the Centre's regional air connectivity scheme, begun in 2016. It links unserved and underserved airports by having airlines bid for routes. The Airports Authority of India implements it.

Launch: The Regional Connectivity Scheme, branded UDAN, was launched on 21 October 2016 under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
First flight: The first UDAN flight ran from Shimla to Delhi in April 2017.
Modified UDAN outlay and period: The next phase runs ten years, FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
Airline support: Rs 10,043 crore of VGF is for airlines over ten years. Support is for up to five years, tapering from the third year, and route exclusivity is limited to three years.
Centre-State MoUs: 21 MoUs were signed between the Government, participating States/UTs and the AAI.
Implementing agency: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the implementing agency. The 21 MoUs were signed among the Ministry, the States/UTs and AAI.
Challenge Mode: States and UTs can nominate airstrips and helipads for development under the next phase through a dedicated portal.
Four pillars of Modified UDAN: Affordability for passengers, sustainability of operations, a transparent Challenge Mode framework, and promotion of indigenous manufacturing.
Route bidding: Airlines bid for identified UDAN routes, so routes and operators are chosen competitively.
Achievements so far: The Minister said UDAN has operationalised 687 routes and 95 aerodromes.
Targets of Modified UDAN: The MoS said Modified UDAN aims at 120 new destinations and 4 crore more passengers over the next ten years.
Outlay and period: Modified UDAN runs for ten years, FY 2026-27 to FY 2035-36, with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
VGF terms: Airlines get Viability Gap Funding for up to five years. Tapering starts from the third year. Route exclusivity is limited to three years.
RCS levy: UDAN is funded from within the sector by a small levy on selected domestic flights, described as a first-of-its-kind model.
Indigenous aircraft: The scheme proposes two HAL Dhruv helicopters for Pawan Hans and two HAL Dornier aircraft for Alliance Air.
Launch of Modified UDAN: The Prime Minister launched Modified UDAN on 4 July 2026 from Jodhpur Airport.
AOP condition for bidders: Airlines without an Air Operator Permit (AOP) cannot bid for routes. A failed bidder is barred from the re-bidding.
Track record: Since October 2016 UDAN has operationalised 669 routes and connected 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes, with over 1.66 crore passengers.
Outlay and approval: The Union Cabinet approved the Modified UDAN Scheme on 25 March 2026, with about ₹29,000 crore over ten years.

Don’t confuse with UDAN vs Modified UDAN: UDAN (2016) funded VGF mainly for airlines on routes. Modified UDAN (2026) adds aerodrome capex, O&M support, helipads and indigenous aircraft purchase.

Don’t confuse with AAI vs DGCA: AAI builds and manages airports and implements UDAN; DGCA regulates safety and licensing.

Don’t confuse with UDAN vs Challenge Mode: UDAN is the overall scheme with airline route bidding. Challenge Mode is the new route for States/UTs to nominate airstrips and helipads for development.

Don’t confuse with VGF period vs exclusivity: VGF lasts up to five years, with tapering from year three. Route exclusivity is only three years.

Don’t confuse with Scheme period vs component period: The scheme runs ten years. Aerodrome and helipad outlays are over eight years, and VGF over ten.

Don’t confuse with RCS vs UDAN: The Regional Connectivity Scheme is the official name; UDAN is its brand name.

Don’t confuse with Served vs underserved airport: An unserved airport has no scheduled flights. An underserved one has few flights, below the departure, city-pair and passenger thresholds.

Don’t confuse with UDAN vs Viksit UDAN: Viksit UDAN is the name for the Modified UDAN Scheme, the next phase of the same scheme, not a new scheme.

Don’t confuse with Helipads vs aerodromes: The 200 figure is for modern helipads; 100 is for aerodromes from unserved airstrips.

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

Improves access to air travel for remote and underserved regions, supporting tourism, medical access, trade and jobs.
Centre-State partnership and indigenous aircraft support (HAL Dhruv, Dornier) tie into Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Improves air access to remote and unserved regions, supporting tourism, trade and jobs.
Brings States in as partners in building aviation infrastructure.
Extends air links to small towns, hilly and island areas, helping balanced regional development.
Helipads improve access to healthcare and emergency response in difficult terrain.
Links Tier-II and Tier-III cities to air networks and supports balanced regional development.
Helps trade and tourism, for example litchi exports from Darbhanga and marble exports from Kishangarh.
Extends affordable air links to remote and Tier-2 and Tier-3 areas, supporting trade, tourism and jobs.
Promotes domestic aircraft and helicopters, supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Problems

Airline viability on thin regional routes depends on subsidy; support is time-bound.
Hilly terrain in the North-East leaves most identified aerodromes non-operational (12 of 52).
Routes can become unviable once subsidy or support ends, so operations may not be sustainable.
Small airports have high recurring costs and thin revenue, so routes may close once support ends.
Airlines depend on VGF, so long-term commercial viability is uncertain.
Many routes have stopped after the VGF period ended, so route sustainability is weak.
Airlines bid beyond their capacity, delaying routes, and low-traffic airports struggle to remain viable.
Many UDAN routes depend on subsidy and may close once viability gap funding ends.
Low demand and thin infrastructure at small airports strain airline finances.

Way forward

Build aerodromes and O&M support so routes stay operational after VGF ends.
Use State-led nominations through the Challenge Mode Portal and sustain Centre-State coordination.
Choose locations with real demand and keep the bidding transparent so that routes last.
Taper support gradually and build demand through local tourism and trade links.
Prioritise sustainable routes and keep the sector-funded levy working.
Tapered 5-year VGF, O&M support and slots at metro airports can help routes survive.
Tie awards to business plans and aircraft availability, and prioritise state-recommended routes.
Build demand through multimodal links, tourism and cargo to make routes self-sustaining.
Phase out subsidy as routes mature and monitor route continuity.

Put in your answer

VGF disbursed: Rs 5091.23 crore disbursed as VGF as of 15 October 2026.

Airport growth: Operational airports rose from 74 in 2014 to 166; India is the third-largest domestic aviation market.

UDAN performance data: 687 routes and 95 aerodromes operationalised, about 1.71 crore passengers carried.

Employment impact: Aviation-sector jobs rose from about 3 million in 2014 to nearly 7.7 million, as stated by the Minister.

Example airports: Tezu in Arunachal Pradesh and Purnea in Bihar are cited as airports that were once cut off.

VGF outlay: ₹10,043 crore is proposed towards VGF over ten years.

Record traffic: India recorded its highest monthly domestic air traffic in May, over 1.5 crore passengers.

UDAN performance: 669 routes operationalised and 95 airports, heliports and water aerodromes connected, with 1.66 crore passengers carried since 2016.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 23

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

1.The Regional Connectivity Scheme, known as UDAN, was launched in 2016 following the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
2.The first UDAN flight operated from Shimla to Delhi.
3.Modified UDAN will run for five years with a total outlay of Rs 28,840 crore.
4.Under Modified UDAN, Viability Gap Funding for airlines is available for up to five years, with route exclusivity limited to three years.
5.Under Modified UDAN, 100 airports are to be developed from existing unserved airstrips.
6.The Challenge Mode Portal allows private airlines to nominate airstrips and helipads for development.
7.Under UDAN, routes are allotted to airlines through a market-based selection process.
8.Under Modified UDAN, Operation and Maintenance support for aerodromes is proposed for a period of three years.
9.Under Modified UDAN, airlines receive Viability Gap Funding for up to three years.
10.The Modified UDAN scheme proposes to develop 200 modern helipads.
11.Modified UDAN is to be implemented over five years with an outlay of ₹28,840 crore.
12.The RCS levy under UDAN is a fee on selected categories of domestic flights, used to fund the scheme from within the aviation sector.
13.The Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN was launched in October 2016.
14.Modified UDAN proposes HAL Dornier aircraft for Pawan Hans and HAL Dhruv helicopters for Alliance Air.
15.Under the existing UDAN scheme, Viability Gap Funding to airlines is limited to 3 years.
16.Modified UDAN provides VGF for 5 years, with the amount tapering from Year 3 onwards.
17.Under Modified UDAN, airlines without an Air Operator Permit may still bid for routes to promote new entrants.
18.Modified UDAN provides for 3-year operation and maintenance support for manpower salary costs at aerodromes developed under RCS.
19.The UDAN scheme was begun under the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016.
20.The Modified UDAN Scheme has an approved outlay of about ₹29,000 crore over ten years.
21.The scheme promotes the use of indigenous aircraft such as HAL Dhruv and Dornier in underserved regions.
22.UDAN was launched in October 2016.
23.Under UDAN, airlines bid for routes and receive viability gap funding.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 16 Jul, 17:43 IST · Release 291315

Issue page →

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

Report or index

NITI Aayog Roadmap for Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035

GS3 Science and Technology - BiotechnologyGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, NITI Aayog launched a roadmap to make India a leading bioeconomy powerhouse by 2035. Minister Jitendra Singh released it in New Delhi.
What it is: The Roadmap for Building India as a Leading Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035 is a NITI Aayog report. It was developed by the NITI Frontier Tech Hub with the Department of Biotechnology, ABLE, industry and academia. It builds on the BioE3 Policy and proposes missions and funding to scale biomanufacturing.

Prepared by: NITI Frontier Tech Hub developed it with the Department of Biotechnology, ABLE, industry and academia.
Size of bioeconomy: India's bioeconomy grew from $10 billion in 2014 to $195.3 billion in 2025, which is 4.8% of GDP.
Targets: The targets are $691 billion by 2035 and $2.6 trillion by 2047, with over 30 million high-value jobs.
Growth Fund: A proposed ₹50,000 crore BioEconomy Growth Fund would be carved out of the existing ₹1 lakh crore RDI framework.

Don’t confuse with BioE3 Policy vs this roadmap: BioE3 is a government policy for biomanufacturing and the bioeconomy. The NITI roadmap is a recommendation report that builds on it and is not itself a policy.

Reports and indices: 14 Prelims questions since 2013; they test who publishes a report and what it measures.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, NITI Aayog, 16 Jul, 18:30 IST · Release 291369

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

India's Hydrogen Fuel Cell Train

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: India's first indigenous hydrogen fuel cell train is set to be inaugurated on 17 July 2026 and will run on the Jind-Sonipat section of Northern Railway (PIB, 16 July 2026).
What it is: India's hydrogen train is a 10-car trainset built in India as a pilot of Indian Railways. It makes electricity onboard from hydrogen in a PEM fuel cell, so it emits only water vapour and heat. It is backed by a hydrogen storage and refuelling facility at Jind.

Route: The train runs on the 90-km Jind–Sonipat section in Haryana.
Size and power: The train has ten coaches and 3,200 horsepower. The PM called it the most powerful of its kind globally; other countries' trains typically have three to four coaches.
Indigenous design: It was designed by Indian engineers and built by domestic manufacturers, presented as a Make in India example.
Technology: Hydrogen trains use fuel cells that combine hydrogen and oxygen to make electricity, emitting only water vapour. A PEM fuel cell uses a proton exchange membrane.
Separate infrastructure: Hydrogen trains need distinct, segregated support infrastructure such as production, storage and refuelling.
Fuel cell type: The train uses a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell, which reacts hydrogen and oxygen across a polymer membrane. Its only byproducts are water vapour and heat.
Speed: Approved maximum operating speed is 75 kmph, against a design speed of 110 kmph.
Refuelling facility: Jind, Haryana has the country's largest railway hydrogen storage and refuelling facility, holding about 3,000 kg of hydrogen.
Licence: PESO granted the licence for storage and dispensing of compressed hydrogen gas at the site.
Energy content: Hydrogen holds 120 MJ/kg, against 43 MJ/kg for diesel.

Don’t confuse with Hydrogen fuel cell train vs electric train: An electric train draws power from overhead wires. A hydrogen train makes its own electricity from hydrogen onboard.

Don’t confuse with Fuel cell vs hydrogen combustion: A fuel cell converts hydrogen to electricity chemically without burning it. Combustion engines burn hydrogen.

Don’t confuse with Fuel cell vs battery: A battery stores chemical energy inside it. A fuel cell makes electricity as long as hydrogen is supplied from outside.

Don’t confuse with Green vs grey hydrogen: Green hydrogen is made by electrolysis using renewable power. Grey hydrogen is made from natural gas and emits carbon dioxide.

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

True or false?

1 of 14

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

1.The hydrogen train launched at Jind generates electricity onboard through a fuel cell and emits only water vapour and heat.
2.The train was launched on the Jind–Sonipat route of about 90 km.
3.The hydrogen train has four coaches, in line with similar trains abroad.
4.The train is described as having a capacity of 3,200 horsepower.
5.In a PEM fuel cell, hydrogen is burned in an internal combustion engine to drive the train directly.
6.Hydrogen trains can run on the same infrastructure as diesel trains without any special support systems.
7.The train's system was designed and built in India, and it was presented as an example of Make in India.
8.The train generates electricity onboard through a Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell.
9.The only byproducts of the fuel cell process are water vapour and heat.
10.The train is approved to operate at a maximum speed of 110 kmph.
11.The hydrogen storage and refuelling facility for the train has been licensed by the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
12.The train's design approval and technical specifications were prepared by the Research, Design & Standards Organisation.
13.Per kilogram, hydrogen has a lower energy content than diesel.
14.In a PEM fuel cell, electricity is produced by combustion of hydrogen in air.

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

Source: PIB Headquarters, 16 Jul, 12:37 IST · Release 291299

Issue page →

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

Scheme

PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement)

GS3 Environment and pollutionGS2 Government schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, MoHUA approved the operational Guidelines for the PARIVARTAN Scheme, which the Union Cabinet cleared on 3 June 2026. The scheme is now ready to be operationalised.
What it is: PARIVARTAN is a Cabinet-approved scheme to replace over 2 lakh old trucks and buses meeting BS-IV or older norms in Delhi and NCR districts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. Owners get loan, tax, price and fuel or cash incentives to buy BS-VI or electric vehicles. The aim is to cut transport air pollution and emissions.

Event: MoRTH and the Delhi Government hold the Mela at the Vehicle Inspection Unit near DTO Burari, North Delhi, on 28 October 2026.
Participants: OEMs and dealers, scrapping facilities (RVSFs), banks, NBFCs, oil marketing companies and city gas distribution entities will give guidance on scrapping, finance, purchase and fuel benefits.
Incentives: Minimum 8% OEM discount, 5% interest subvention on loans, 100% road tax concession for 10 years, one-time EV benefits, monthly fuel vouchers and registration fee waiver, as applicable.
Registrations: About 40,000 beneficiaries have registered on the PARIVARTAN portal so far.
Funding and implementation: Funded through NCRPB under MoHUA; implemented by MoRTH.
Outlay: Total outlay ₹9,585 crore, of which ₹5,041 crore is central budgetary support.
Fuel vouchers / EV incentive: BS-VI diesel/CNG buyers get monthly fuel vouchers of ₹1,200-4,800 for five years; EV buyers get a one-time ₹64,000 to ₹2.56 lakh.
Implementation and funding: MoRTH is the implementing ministry. Funding is routed through the NCRPB.
Incentive package: Incentives include 5% interest subvention on loans, a minimum 8% OEM discount, tax concessions, registration fee waivers, fuel vouchers and one-time aid for electric vehicles and CoD trading.
State notifications: Rajasthan, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi notified a ten-year Motor Vehicle Tax concession and registration fee waiver.
OEM MoUs: 11 OEMs with over 95% of commercial vehicle market share signed MoUs with MoRTH to give the discount.
Digital platform: An integrated platform links VAHAN, V-Scrap, DigiELV, PFMS, lenders and fuel voucher systems.
OEM discount: Under the MoU, DICV will give an 8 per cent discount on the ex-showroom price of eligible trucks and buses.
Electric vehicle cap: For electric vehicles, the discount is capped at the discount for an ICE vehicle of the same GVW category.
Central support: The Centre gives 5 per cent interest subvention and fixed monthly fuel vouchers for five years.
State support: Participating states give up to 100 per cent motor vehicle tax concession for ten years and waive registration fees.
Manufacturers on board: Ashok Leyland, Switch Mobility, Tata Motors, Mahindra and Mahindra and SML Mahindra signed earlier; together they hold 85% of the truck and bus market.
Tata Motors MoU: MoRTH signed an MoU with Tata Motors for the replacement scheme in the Delhi-NCR region.
Other OEMs: Ashok Leyland and Switch Mobility signed earlier in the week. With Tata, the three hold about 50% of the truck and bus market.
Funding and implementing bodies: Funded through NCRPB under MoHUA; implemented by MoRTH and MoPNG with Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
Beneficiaries: About 2.07 lakh owners: 1.91 lakh trucks and 16,329 buses.
Scrapping rule: BS-III or older vehicles must be scrapped at registered facilities; BS-IV vehicles may be scrapped or sold outside NCR in non-NCAP cities or towns.
Central benefits: 5% interest subvention on loans for five years and monthly fuel vouchers up to Rs 4,800.
Monitoring: An Empowered Committee chaired by the Cabinet Secretary monitors it; District Collectors/Magistrates implement at district level.

Don’t confuse with PARIVARTAN vs Vehicle Scrappage Policy: The national Vehicle Scrappage Policy (2021) sets up scrapping and fitness rules for old vehicles. PARIVARTAN is a Delhi-NCR scheme giving financial incentives for replacing old trucks and buses.

Don’t confuse with PARIVARTAN vs PM E-DRIVE: PARIVARTAN is a Delhi-NCR scheme to replace old BS-IV trucks and buses; PM E-DRIVE is a national scheme promoting electric vehicles.

Don’t confuse with MoHUA vs MoRTH: MoHUA approved the guidelines, but MoRTH implements the scheme.

Don’t confuse with NCRPB vs CAQM: NCRPB is a statutory planning body that channels the funds. It is not the Commission for Air Quality Management.

Don’t confuse with OEM discount vs government incentives: The 8% discount comes from the manufacturer. Interest subvention and fuel vouchers come from the Centre. Tax and registration relief come from states.

Don’t confuse with BS-IV vs BS-VI: These are Bharat Stage emission norms; BS-VI is stricter. India moved directly from BS-IV to BS-VI in 2020.

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

Targets old, high-emitting diesel trucks and buses, a major source of Delhi-NCR air pollution.
Links scrapping, finance and fuel players, which can speed up fleet renewal.
Faster removal of old polluting heavy vehicles can cut transport emissions in the Delhi-NCR airshed.
Targets old, high-emitting heavy vehicles, a major source of NCR transport pollution.
Pairs scrappage with clean-vehicle uptake, supporting BS-VI and EV transition.
Cuts emissions from old heavy vehicles, a major source of Delhi-NCR air pollution.
Pushes adoption of BS-VI and electric commercial vehicles and supports the auto sector.
Faster retirement of BS-IV and older heavy vehicles can cut particulate and NOx emissions in the NCR.
Manufacturer participation lowers buyer cost and speeds up the shift to BS-VI and electric vehicles.
Targets a big pollution source: trucks and buses are 36% of transport PM2.5 with 3% of the fleet.
Combines Centre, State and manufacturer incentives, which makes replacement more affordable for owners.
Supports the shift to BS-VI and electric vehicles and formal scrapping.

Problems

Small truck and bus owners may find upfront costs and paperwork hard even with subsidies.
Low uptake: about 40,000 registrations so far against a target of over 2 lakh vehicles.
Owners of old commercial vehicles may find the upfront cost and loan access hard despite incentives.
Scheme covers only NCR, so older vehicles may shift to other regions.
Small truck and bus owners may find it hard to finance replacement even with subsidies.
Depends on consistent state action and on scrapping old vehicles properly rather than reselling them elsewhere.
Smaller owners may find the cost of a new vehicle hard to meet even with incentives.
Success depends on states giving tax and fee relief, and on scrapping the old vehicles rather than reselling them elsewhere.
Small fleet owners may still struggle with the upfront cost even after the discounts.
Success depends on states offering tax and fee relief and on scrapping old vehicles properly.
Small truck operators may still find the upfront cost and loan access hard even with incentives.
Sale of BS-IV vehicles outside NCR may only move pollution to other cities.
Vehicles are only one source; dust, biomass burning and industry also drive NCR pollution.

Way forward

Run outreach camps and simplify the portal to raise registrations.
Expand charging and clean-fuel infrastructure so replacement vehicles are practical.
Strengthen scrapping and registration checks so replaced vehicles leave the road.
Expand charging and CNG infrastructure along freight corridors.
Ensure transparent digital delivery and verified scrapping through V-Scrap and DigiELV.
Expand charging and clean-fuel infrastructure for electric and CNG replacements.
Ensure certified scrapping and tracking of replaced vehicles.
Build charging infrastructure and easy finance for small operators.
Ensure verified scrapping of old vehicles through registered scrapping facilities.
Expand charging infrastructure and bring more manufacturers into the scheme.
Strengthen scrapping and vehicle-testing infrastructure and enforce against old vehicles.
Expand EV charging and CNG supply along freight corridors.
Use the digital portal to track real emission cuts and pair the scheme with action on other pollution sources.

Put in your answer

Incentive package: Cite the mix of OEM discount, interest subvention and road tax concession as an example of demand-side incentives for cleaner transport.

Outlay: Rs 9,585 crore total, with Rs 5,041 crore from the Centre.

Industry buy-in: 11 OEMs with over 95% of commercial vehicle market share signed MoUs.

Incentive design: The scheme combines OEM discount, central interest subvention and fuel vouchers, and state tax relief, an example of centre-state-industry cooperation on air pollution.

Layered incentive design: The scheme combines OEM discount, central interest subvention and fuel vouchers, and state tax waivers, a useful example of cooperative federalism in pollution control.

Transport share of NCR pollution: ARAI-TERI 2018 source apportionment: transport contributes 14% of PM2.5, 40% of CO and 63% of NOx in Delhi-NCR.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 19

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

1.The scheme targets replacement of trucks and buses conforming to BS-IV or older norms.
2.The scheme is funded through the National Capital Region Planning Board under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
3.The scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
4.Eligible buyers get a 100% road tax waiver for 10 years.
5.Buyers of electric vehicles receive monthly fuel vouchers for five years.
6.Participating OEMs are to give a discount of at least 8% on the ex-showroom price.
7.The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the implementing ministry for the PARIVARTAN Scheme.
8.Funding for the scheme is routed through the Central Pollution Control Board.
9.The scheme provides a 5% interest subvention on loans taken to buy replacement vehicles.
10.The scheme has a total outlay of Rs 9,585 crore, including central budgetary support of Rs 5,041 crore.
11.The states granted Motor Vehicle Tax concession for five years under the scheme.
12.The scheme's digital platform is to interface with VAHAN and the Public Financial Management System.
13.The scheme is implemented mainly by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
14.Owners of BS-IV trucks and buses may either scrap them or sell them outside NCR in non-NCAP cities or towns.
15.The Centre provides a 5% interest subvention on loans for five years under the scheme.
16.State governments may give up to 100% motor vehicle tax concession on used replacement vehicles.
17.Participating vehicle manufacturers are to offer an 8% discount on ex-showroom prices.
18.In Delhi, buses bought under the scheme may be BS-VI diesel or CNG.
19.The Empowered Committee monitoring the scheme is chaired by the Cabinet Secretary.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, 16 Jul, 18:54 IST · Release 291322

Issue page →

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

International relations

Codex Alimentarius Commission

GS3 Food standards · International bodiesGS2 International institutionsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, the Commerce Ministry said the Codex Alimentarius Commission adopted three spice standards (large cardamom, coriander, vanilla) at its 49th session in Geneva, 6-10 July 2026.
What it is: The Codex Alimentarius Commission is the joint FAO-WHO body that sets international food standards, guidelines and codes of practice. Its standards protect consumer health and ensure fair practices in food trade. Its work is done through subject and commodity committees, and its standards are a reference point under the WTO SPS Agreement.

Session: The 49th session (CAC49) was held in Geneva from 6 to 10 July 2026.
Parent bodies: CAC was established jointly by FAO and WHO.
India's hosted committee: India hosts the Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH); the Spices Board is its Secretariat.
Endorsing committees: The standards were endorsed by CCMAS, CCFA and CCFL before the Commission adopted them.
New working group: An Electronic Working Group on risk analysis for new food products was set up, chaired by the European Union, with India as Co-Chair.
Founding year: Codex was set up in 1963 and its Secretariat is based in Rome, hosted by FAO.
India-chaired texts: Standards for Dried Coriander Seeds and Fresh Curry Leaves were developed under India's chairmanship.
New work: The Commission approved India's proposal for a Codex Standard for Cashew Kernels, to be handled by the Codex Committee on Processed Fruits and Vegetables.
Working group: India was elected Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group on New Food Sources and Production Systems.
Indian delegation: The delegation was led by FSSAI's CEO, with experts from FSSAI and the Spices Board.

Don’t confuse with Codex Alimentarius vs FSSAI: Codex is the international FAO-WHO standard-setting body; FSSAI is India's statutory regulator under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.

Don’t confuse with Codex Commission vs CCSCH: The Commission is the parent body; CCSCH is one of its commodity committees, hosted by India.

Don’t confuse with Codex vs FSSAI: Codex is the international standard-setter; FSSAI is India's statutory regulator under the FSS Act, 2006, and India's Codex contact point.

Don’t confuse with Codex vs WTO SPS Agreement: Codex writes food standards; the SPS Agreement is the WTO trade rule that treats Codex standards as reference.

International bodies and relations: the largest group of news questions in Prelims (61 since 2013), often about background, members and location. In Mains, 27 news-triggered questions, mostly on India's interests.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 16 Jul, 19:00 IST · Release 291325

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

ICMR i-DRONE Initiative

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS2 HealthPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, the Health Ministry released an ICMR study from Telangana's Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district. It found that drone transport of TB sputum samples cut diagnosis time and patient costs.

Study site and partners: The study was done in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district, Telangana, with AIIMS Bibinagar and the District TB Office under NTEP.
Turnaround time: Median time to TB diagnosis fell from 15 days to 5 days among 840 participants.
Out-of-pocket cost: Mean out-of-pocket expense for diagnosis fell from about ₹9,451 to about ₹91, mainly through lower travel cost and wage loss.
Network design: A hub-and-spoke network linked 11 PHCs, 60 sub-centres and four TB Units.
Limits noted: Weather, payload limits and training needs were flagged, and the evidence comes from one district only.

Don’t confuse with i-DRONE vs NTEP: i-DRONE is an ICMR research initiative testing drone logistics. NTEP is the government's TB control programme, which delivered the services in the study.

Don’t confuse with PHC/sub-centre vs TB Unit: Samples were collected at PHCs and sub-centres, the first points of care. They were flown to TB Units, which have the diagnostic labs.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting topic on drones in health delivery with data, but a single study; UPSC sets few questions on routine study results.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 16 Jul, 10:45 IST · Release 291293

Issue page →

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

Economy

National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT) and InvITs

GS3 Infrastructure FinancingPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 16 July 2026, NHAI said the National Highways Infra Trust (NHIT), an InvIT it sponsors, has engaged General Management Consultants (GMCs) to run O&M of 908 km of national highways in the first phase.

Registration: NHIT was registered with SEBI in October 2020.
Portfolio size: NHIT manages highway assets of 2,653 km combined length.
Phase one of GMC role: In the first phase, GMCs will handle O&M of 908 km.
Project Manager: NHIPMPL, a wholly owned NHAI subsidiary, is the Project Manager and ensures O&M, directly or through consultants, with reporting under SEBI InvIT Regulations.
Regulator: InvITs are regulated by SEBI under the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.

Don’t confuse with InvIT vs REIT: InvITs hold infrastructure assets such as roads and power lines. REITs hold income-generating real estate. Both are SEBI-regulated trusts.

Don’t confuse with InvIT vs TOT model: In TOT, NHAI leases highway toll rights to a concessionaire for a fixed period. In an InvIT, assets are pooled in a trust and investors hold units.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: InvIT asset monetisation is a lasting topic, but this release is routine O&M news with little for a statement.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Road Transport & Highways, 16 Jul, 16:34 IST · Release 291310

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

Indian Navy hosts Operation Southern Readiness 26-2 at Kochi, 20-23 July 2026, with Combined Maritime Forces (40+ nations) under Indian-led CTF 154.
Indian Navy to commission Malvan, second Mahe-class ASW Shallow Water Craft, built by Cochin Shipyard with over 80 percent indigenous content, on 22 July 2026.
Dr. Srinivasa Kumar Tummala, head of the UNESCO-IOC Indian Ocean tsunami warning secretariat, appointed Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, for two years.

Source: PIB, 16 Jul

What we left out: 32 of 43 releases

Greetings and messages (4)
Same issue as another release (4)
Ceremonies and campaigns (7)
Speeches without a decision (4)
Routine drive tests (3)
Routine weather forecasts (1)
Routine funding of a firm (1)
Visit schedules (2)
Workshops and webinars (3)
Routine MoUs (1)
Routine project approvals (1)
Routine publication launches (1)

Practise the day’s news

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

1Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) NormsMCQ · 7 true or false
2UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik)MCQ · 23 true or false · Mains
3NITI Aayog Roadmap for Bioeconomy Powerhouse by 2035MCQ · 6 true or false · Mains
4India's Hydrogen Fuel Cell TrainMCQ · 14 true or false
5PARIVARTAN Scheme (Delhi-NCR vehicle replacement)MCQ · 19 true or false · Mains
6Codex Alimentarius CommissionMCQ · 10 true or false

Mains question of the day

10 marks · 150 words

The Ministry of Power has circulated the draft Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE-III) norms for 2027-28 to 2031-32 for public consultation. Examine the provisions and objectives of CAFE norms in India, and discuss the challenges in implementing them to reduce oil dependence and vehicle emissions.

From: Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms

Write and get it marked

Keep reading

The day before

Wednesday, 15 July 2026Semicon 2.0 (India Semiconductor Mission) · India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) · Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) and 5 more

The day after

Friday, 17 July 2026National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 · UDAN (Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik) · Investment Friendliness Index (NITI Aayog) and 5 more

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Practice · 6 Mains question