UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 23 July 2026

12 issues picked from 85 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

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act. Nuclear Energy Mission targets 100 GW by 2047; BARC SMR designs advance, SHANTI Act opens sector.
Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026. SWM Rules 2026 replace 2016 rules; they set sanitary landfill duties; 4 of 7 NCR dumpsites cleared.
Vikram-1 (Skyroot Aerospace) and Indian Space Policy 2023. Private space investment tops USD 618 million; IN-SPACe issues 105 authorisations and drafts security guidelines.
Judicial Appointments, Collegium and NJAC. Judges are still appointed by the Collegium after the NJAC was struck down in 2015.
Mission Mausam. Mission Mausam is adding radars, high-resolution models and village-level weather services across India.
Global Engagement Scheme (Cultural Diplomacy). Global Engagement Scheme continued to 2030-31 with Rs 299.94 crore and four sub-schemes.
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and Three-Stage Nuclear Programme. PFBR's first criticality moves India into stage two of its three-stage nuclear programme.
Aditya-L1 Mission. Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3 results reported in Rajya Sabha; they guide future solar, Venus and lunar missions.
BioE3 Policy. Minister reports progress on BioE3 biomanufacturing policy: projects funded, hubs, biofoundries, Strain Resource Centre, State cells.
Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund. RDI Fund's first fund managers TDB and BIRAC get ₹1,000 crore each; 200 more applications pending.
National Clean Air Programme (NCAP). NCAP cities show falling PM10; 65 of 130 meet the PM2.5 standard in 2025-26.
Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment). Environment Ministry reports Mission LiFE progress: 7.3 crore participants, global resolutions, seven themes, NDC link.

Science and technology

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act

GS3 Energy - Nuclear PowerGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Minister replied in the Rajya Sabha on progress under the Nuclear Energy Mission, giving the 100 GW roadmap and the status of three BARC-designed small reactors.
What it is: India's nuclear programme is run by the Department of Atomic Energy, with NPCIL operating power reactors and AERB as the regulator. Its power plants mostly use indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and the SHANTI Act, 2025 set the present policy and legal framework for expansion.

Installed base: India operates 24 power reactors at seven sites with 8.78 GW capacity. Nine more are under construction.
Mission target: The Nuclear Energy Mission aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.
SMR funding: Budget 2025-26 set aside ₹20,000 crore for indigenous Small Modular Reactors.
Nuclear process heat hydrogen: India inaugurated the world's first hydrogen production facility using nuclear process heat at Kalpakkam in 2026.
Boron-11 facility: India's first electronics-grade Boron-11 enrichment facility is at Talcher, for semiconductor use.
BARC designs: BARC is developing BSMR-200 (220 MWe), SMR-55 (55 MWe) and an HTGCR of up to 5 MWth for hydrogen production.
Funding: Rs 20,000 crore is allocated under NEM for SMR research, development and deployment.
SHANTI Act and AERB: The Act gives AERB statutory status and sets graded liability based on facility type and reactor power.
Construction time: Demonstration SMRs are estimated to take 60 to 72 months from financial approval.
Target: Nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047, with a large share from indigenous PHWR plants.
FBR expansion: Pre-project activities of 2 x 500 MW FBR 1 & 2 at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu are approved.
Mahi Banswara project: Implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC, in Rajasthan.
SHANTI Act rules: States, industries and research institutions can collaborate with the Government once rules are framed.
Fast breeder concept: A fast breeder reactor uses fast neutrons and produces more fissile material than it consumes; it is the second stage of India's three-stage programme.
BSMR-200 and SMR-55: Both are PWR-based; the Atomic Energy Commission approved Tarapur, Maharashtra as the site for each.
SMR goal: At least five indigenous SMRs to be developed and operationalised by 2033.
Sites: The Atomic Energy Commission approved Tarapur, Maharashtra as the site for BSMR-200; the HTGCR is proposed at BARC, Vizag.
AERB under SHANTI Act: The Act gives the regulator statutory status so it can work independently.

Don’t confuse with AERB vs DAE: DAE runs the programme and leads emergency technical response. AERB is the regulator that sets dose limits and approves emergency plans.

Don’t confuse with Occupational vs public dose limit: Workers: average 20 mSv a year over five years. Public: 1 mSv a year.

Don’t confuse with MWe vs MWth: MWe is electrical output; MWth is thermal output. The HTGCR is rated in MWth because it supplies heat for hydrogen.

Don’t confuse with AERB vs AEC: AERB is the nuclear safety regulator; the Atomic Energy Commission sets policy and approves projects, such as sites for the SMRs.

Don’t confuse with PHWR vs FBR: PHWRs use natural uranium and heavy water (stage one); FBRs use plutonium-based fuel and fast neutrons (stage two).

Don’t confuse with BSMR-200 vs SMR-55: Both are BARC-designed PWR-based SMRs, rated 220 MWe and 55 MWe, and both sited at Tarapur.

Don’t confuse with PHWR vs PWR/LWR: PHWR uses heavy water as moderator and coolant; PWR is a light water reactor. India's fleet is mostly PHWR, while BSMR-200 and SMR-55 are PWR designs.

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.

Why it matters

Nuclear power gives firm, low-carbon electricity, supporting energy security and the Net Zero 2070 goal.
Atomic technology also serves health, agriculture, food irradiation, rare earths and semiconductors.
SMRs can give firm low-carbon power and industrial heat, helping net-zero goals.
Private entry under licence can raise capital and speed up capacity addition toward 100 GWe.
Nuclear power gives firm, low-carbon electricity, helping energy security and net-zero goals.
Private and state participation can bring capital and speed.
Firm low-carbon baseload power supports the net zero 2070 goal.
SMRs and HTGCR can serve industry and hydrogen production, and suit sites with limited land or grid.
Firm low-carbon power supports the net zero by 2070 goal and energy security.
Private and state participation can bring capital and speed to a sector long run by the state.
SMRs and hydrogen-heat reactors widen uses beyond grid power, including industry.

Problems

Public fears about radiation, waste and living near plants need steady communication.
Capacity is 8.78 GW against a 100 GW target, so the scale-up is steep.
Demonstration SMRs need 60 to 72 months to build, and costs and safety are yet to be proven.
Graded liability and private operation raise public concerns over accountability and safety.
No new projects sanctioned in three years, while 100 GW needs rapid additions.
SHANTI Act rules are yet to be framed, delaying participation.
Raising capacity from 8.78 GW to 100 GW needs very large finance and fast project execution.
Public acceptance, siting, and long-term waste management remain concerns as the sector opens to private players.
High capital cost, long gestation and land and public acceptance issues around sites.
Safety, waste management and liability concerns as private operators enter.
Dependence on technology and fuel supply, and building a vendor ecosystem.

Way forward

Keep the regulator strong and independent while opening the sector to private players.
Expand indigenous reactor designs, including SMRs, with continued safety upgrades.
Keep the regulator independent and technically ready for SMR-specific review.
Build the domestic supply chain and fuel supply, with transparent local consultation at sites.
Frame SHANTI Act rules quickly and sanction new fleet-mode PHWR projects.
Back SMR and advanced reactor R&D with clear regulation and safety oversight.
Build a strong independent regulator and clear liability and safety rules to attract private investors.
Develop domestic vendors and R&D through BARC-industry partnership to cut import dependence.
Keep AERB independent and well resourced, with clear rules for private operators.
Pilot BSMR-200 and SMR-55 at Tarapur, then scale with local industry vendors.
Be open on waste handling and safety reviews to build public trust.

Put in your answer

Food irradiation: Six gamma radiation facilities were commissioned, taking operational facilities to 40.

Vitrification: BARC's indigenous vitrification converts high-level waste into stable glass blocks.

Budget provision: Rs 20,000 crore for SMR research, development and deployment under NEM.

Indigenous materials: ApuRVA alloy and reactor pressure vessel forging technology were developed with Indian industry, showing self-reliance.

Capacity added: 2100 MW added through KAPP-3&4 and RAPP-7.

Kaiga 5&6: Construction began with First Pour of Concrete.

Safety design: Plants use redundancy, diversity, fail-safe features and overlapping defence-in-depth, giving multiple barriers against release.

Waste rules: Waste is handled under the Atomic Energy (Safe Disposal of Radioactive Wastes) Rules, 1987 and AERB codes.

Private role: BARC shares knowledge with Indian industry to build nuclear vendors and a private R&D ecosystem.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 21

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

1.The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors.
2.The High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor under development is meant for hydrogen production.
3.Small Modular Reactors, in general, are factory-fabricated units of smaller capacity than conventional reactors, typically up to about 300 MWe per unit.
4.The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat targets 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047.
5.The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor attained criticality in April 2026.
6.The Mahi Banswara Rajasthan Atomic Power Project is being implemented by ASHVINI, a joint venture of NPCIL and NTPC.
7.The pre-project approval for new 2 x 500 MW fast breeder reactors is for a site at Kaiga, Karnataka.
8.A fast breeder reactor is the first stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
9.The Tarapur units TAPS-1 and 2 are described as the world's oldest operating nuclear reactors and resumed operation after refurbishment.
10.Several new nuclear power projects were sanctioned in the last three years, according to the reply.
11.The Nuclear Energy Mission was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26.
12.The mission aims to develop at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033.
13.The BSMR-200 is an indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor.
14.The HTGCR being designed by BARC is meant for hydrogen production.
15.The Atomic Energy Commission has approved Kudankulam as the site for BSMR-200.
16.The SHANTI Act gives the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board statutory status.
17.The Nuclear Energy Mission aims to reach 100 GWe of nuclear capacity by 2047.
18.The mission aims to operationalise at least five indigenous Small Modular Reactors by 2033.
19.The BSMR-200 is based on a Pressurised Heavy Water Reactor design.
20.The small High Temperature Gas Cooled Reactor is meant mainly for grid electricity and is proposed at Tarapur.
21.Copper-chlorine cycle is a thermochemical process that can use nuclear heat to produce hydrogen.

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

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 23 Jul, 15:57 IST · Release 291738

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026

GS3 EnvironmentGS2 Local governancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Environment Ministry told Rajya Sabha that the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 (in force since 1 April 2026) govern landfills, and that 4 of 7 Delhi-NCR legacy dumpsites are remediated.
What it is: The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 are the national rules for municipal solid waste. They replace the SWM Rules, 2016 and cover collection, processing and disposal, including sanitary landfills. Such rules are made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Who builds landfills: The local body sets up and runs sanitary landfills through eligible agencies.
District Magistrate role: The District Magistrate must ensure the landfill operates as per the Rules.
Audit and portal: The SPCB or PCC, or a registered environment auditor, audits landfills; the SPCB or PCC uploads the report on a centralised portal.
CPCB direction: CPCB issued its biomining and bioremediation direction under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Four-stream segregation: Waste must be segregated at source into wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste.
RDF fuel substitution: Industrial units, including cement and waste-to-energy plants, must raise use of Refuse Derived Fuel from 5% to 15% over six years.
Polluter Pays: Environmental compensation is levied on the Polluter Pays principle.
Implementation bodies: Central and State-level Committees are to be set up; the CPCB has constituted the Central Implementation Committee.
Parent law: Rules of this kind are made under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Four streams: Waste must be segregated at source into wet, dry, sanitary and special care waste.
Bulk Waste Generator: A bulk generator has a floor area of 20,000 sq m or more, or water use of 40,000 litres a day or more, or waste of 100 kg a day or more.
Environmental compensation: CPCB prepares guidelines on compensation under the Polluter Pays principle. State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees levy it.
RDF use: Industries using solid fuel, including cement and waste-to-energy plants, must replace it with RDF. The substitution rate rises from 5 to 15 per cent over six years.
Buffer zone: Facilities with installed capacity above 5 tonnes per day must keep a buffer zone within the allotted area. CPCB will set its size.

Don’t confuse with SWM Rules 2016 vs 2026: The 2016 Rules are superseded; the 2026 Rules apply from 1 April 2026.

Don’t confuse with CPCB vs CAQM: CPCB issued a 2021 direction under the EP Act; CAQM issued Direction no. 91 in June 2025 for NCR legacy waste.

Don’t confuse with EPR vs Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility: EPR applies to producers of products; the new bulk generator responsibility applies to large waste generators.

Don’t confuse with EPR vs EBWGR: Extended Producer Responsibility makes producers answerable for post-consumer waste. Extended Bulk Waste Generator Responsibility makes large waste generators answerable for their own waste.

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

Replaces the 2016 framework with specific rules on sanitary landfills and audits.
Audits and a public portal improve accountability of local bodies.
Legacy waste cleanup reduces groundwater and air pollution in NCR.
Moves waste policy toward a circular economy and producer accountability.
Online tracking and audits improve transparency and enforcement.
Polluter-pays compensation and landfill fees push segregation and cut load on urban local bodies.
Circular economy tools (RDF, MRFs, biomining, carbon credits) turn waste into a resource.
An online portal improves tracking and accountability.

Problems

Local bodies often lack funds and capacity to build and run landfills.
Legacy dumpsites and open burning continue to worsen air quality.
Urban and rural local bodies have weak finances and capacity to enforce segregation.
Finding land for processing sites and clearing legacy dumps remain hard.
Urban local bodies often lack finance, staff and capacity to enforce four-stream collection.
Land for processing plants and buffer zones is hard to get, and nearby residents often oppose such facilities.
State Pollution Control Boards are stretched for audits and compensation enforcement.

Way forward

Strengthen local body finances and capacity, with regular audits.
Speed up biomining of remaining dumpsites and enforce segregation at source.
Fund and train local bodies, and enforce segregation with incentives and penalties.
Use the online portal data for audits and apply environmental compensation consistently.
Build local body capacity and fund MRFs and processing plants.
Use user fees and awareness drives to change household segregation habits.
Publish portal data openly so audits and compensation can be checked.

Put in your answer

NCR dumpsite remediation: Seven legacy dumpsites identified in Delhi-NCR; four remediated.

Polluter Pays: Environmental compensation under the rules applies the Polluter Pays principle.

Legacy waste: The rules require a time-bound plan to remediate legacy waste and tighten limits on landfilling.

Bulk generators' share: Bulk waste generators account for nearly 30 per cent of total solid waste generation, so on-site processing under EBWGR eases the burden on local bodies.

Polluter Pays principle: The rules apply Polluter Pays to cases such as operating without registration, false reporting and forged documents.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 20

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

1.The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 supersede the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016.
2.The Rules came into force on the date of their notification in the Gazette, with no separate commencement date.
3.Under the Rules, sanitary landfills are established and operated by the local body through eligible agencies.
4.The Rules make the Central Pollution Control Board directly responsible for operating sanitary landfills in each district.
5.Audit reports on landfill operation are to be uploaded by the State Pollution Control Board or Pollution Control Committee on a centralised portal.
6.The CPCB's 2021 direction on biomining of legacy dumpsites was issued under Section 5 of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
7.All seven legacy dumpsites identified in Delhi-NCR have been remediated so far.
8.The rules mandate segregation of waste at source into three streams: wet, dry and hazardous waste.
9.The rules raise the fuel substitution rate for Refuse Derived Fuel in industrial units from 5% to 15% over six years.
10.The rules provide for environmental compensation based on the Polluter Pays principle.
11.The rules apply only to urban local bodies and do not assign duties to rural local bodies.
12.The rules operationalise a Centralised Online Portal to track all stages of solid waste management.
13.Rules of this kind are made under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.
14.The Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026 are notified under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
15.The rules require segregation of waste at source into three streams: wet, dry and hazardous waste.
16.An entity generating 100 kg or more of solid waste per day qualifies as a Bulk Waste Generator.
17.Under the rules, the Central Pollution Control Board itself levies environmental compensation on violators.
18.Industries such as cement plants are required to raise the use of Refuse Derived Fuel from 5 per cent to 15 per cent over six years.
19.The State-level committee for effective implementation of the rules is chaired by the State Pollution Control Board chairperson.
20.The rules allow landfilling only of non-recyclable, non-energy recoverable waste and inert material.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 23 Jul, 16:19 IST · Release 291753

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Vikram-1 (Skyroot Aerospace) and Indian Space Policy 2023

GS3 Science and Technology - SpacePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, Dr. Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha that private space investment has crossed USD 618.5 million and IN-SPACe has issued 105 authorisations. IN-SPACe is also preparing Safety and Security Guidelines.
What it is: IN-SPACe is the single-window agency in the Department of Space that authorises and promotes private space activity. It works under the Indian Space Policy 2023, which follows the 2020 space sector reforms. The policy gives non-government entities access to ISRO facilities and the right to run end-to-end space activities.

Funding growth: Cumulative private funding rose from USD 100.5 million (2021-22) to USD 348.5 million (2023-24) and USD 618.5 million by 31 March 2026.
Screening of applications: Every private application is evaluated under IN-SPACe's Norms, Guidelines and Procedures (NGP), with strategic and security interests considered.
Financial support: Support includes a ₹1,000 crore Venture Capital Fund, a ₹500 crore Technology Adoption Fund and the IN-SPACe Seed Fund Scheme.
EO-PPP: The Earth Observation PPP is to build India's first privately owned Earth observation constellation, with about ₹1,200 crore private commitment.
POEM: The PSLV Orbital Experimental Module is a platform on which payloads, including private ones, fly on the PSLV's spent upper stage.
Payload capacity: Vikram-1 can place up to 350 kg into Low Earth Orbit.
Launch site and mission: It was launched as Mission Aagaman from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, and reached its designated Low Earth Orbit.
Technology features: It is India's first all-carbon composite orbital rocket. Its Orbital Adjustment Module is powered by a 100 per cent 3D-printed liquid engine.
Payloads: It carried experimental payloads, customer payloads and technology demonstrations, not dummy masses.
Role of IN-SPACe: IN-SPACe is the Department of Space body that authorises and promotes private space activity and gives access to ISRO facilities. It was created under the 2020 reforms.
Skyroot founders: Skyroot Aerospace was founded by Pawan Kumar Chandana and Bharath Daka.

Don’t confuse with IN-SPACe vs NSIL: IN-SPACe authorises and regulates private space activity. NSIL is ISRO's commercial arm that markets space products and services.

Don’t confuse with Vikram-S vs Vikram-1: Vikram-S was Skyroot's 2022 suborbital launch. Vikram-1 is its orbital small-satellite launch vehicle.

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, Department of Space, 23 Jul, 16:35 IST · Release 291758

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Judicial Appointments, Collegium and NJAC

GS2 JudiciaryPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Law Minister told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply that judges are appointed under the 1998 Memorandum of Procedure, and that the NJAC Act and the 99th Amendment were struck down in 2015.
What it is: The Collegium is the system by which the Supreme Court and High Court judges are recommended. It grew out of the Second and Third Judges cases and is not named in the Constitution. The NJAC was a 2014 attempt to replace it with a commission, but the Supreme Court struck it down.

Constitutional articles: Appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts are governed by Articles 124, 217 and 224.
Origin of the MoP: The Memorandum of Procedure was prepared in 1998 after the Second Judges case (1993), read with the Third Judges case advisory opinion (1998).
Who initiates proposals: For the Supreme Court, the Chief Justice of India initiates the proposal. For a High Court, the Chief Justice of that High Court does.
Judges cases: The First Judges case (1981) gave primacy to the executive. The Second Judges case (1993) gave primacy to the CJI and created the Collegium.

Don’t confuse with NJAC vs Collegium: The NJAC was a statutory and constitutional commission with executive members, struck down in 2015. The Collegium is a judicial creation that follows the 1998 MoP.

Don’t confuse with Second vs Third Judges case: The Second Judges case (1993) created the Collegium. The Third Judges case (1998) was a Presidential Reference opinion that set its size and process.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Law & Justice, 23 Jul, 18:45 IST · Release 291779

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Mission Mausam

GS3 Science and technology, disaster managementGS1 ClimatologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Minister of State for Earth Sciences told the Rajya Sabha about Mission Mausam's progress on radars, forecast models and last-mile weather services.
What it is: Mission Mausam is a Central Sector umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It aims to improve weather observation, forecasting and early warnings, and to deliver climate services. It uses radars, satellites, supercomputing and AI/ML to cut weather-related losses.

Nature and ministry: A Central Sector umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, with the aim of a 'Weather-ready and Climate-smart Nation'.
Launch: The Prime Minister launched it on 14 January 2025.
Outlay: The Union Cabinet approved it in 2024 with ₹2,000 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
Verticals for 2026-31: Six verticals are proposed: OBSERVE_ALL, DEVELOP, Weather_MOD, ATCOMP, FRONTIER and NEAT.
2026-27 budget: The Budget Estimate is ₹1,342.29 crore: ₹855.29 crore Revenue and ₹487.00 crore Capital.
Other instruments: Plans include 19 Wind Profiler Systems, 25 Microwave Radiometers and 60 new GPS Radiosonde Stations.
Alerts and apps: IMD generates CAP alerts, sent by SMS and the NDMA's SACHET app. DAMINI (by IITM) gives lightning warnings; MEGHDOOT gives agro-met services.

Don’t confuse with Central Sector vs Centrally Sponsored: Central Sector schemes are fully funded and run by the Centre. Centrally Sponsored Schemes share costs with States.

Don’t confuse with MoES vs IMD: MoES is the ministry. The India Meteorological Department is one of its bodies that issues forecasts.

Don’t confuse with IMD vs NCMRWF: IMD issues forecasts and warnings and runs the GFS-based model. NCMRWF, Noida, runs the Mithuna model. Both sit under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Don’t confuse with MAUSAM app vs MEGHDOOT vs DAMINI: MAUSAM gives forecasts and warnings, MEGHDOOT gives agro-met advisories, DAMINI gives lightning alerts.

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.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 13

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

1.Mission Mausam is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme implemented jointly by the Centre and States.
2.Mission Mausam is implemented by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
3.Mission Mausam was launched by the Prime Minister in January 2025.
4.The Union Cabinet approved Mission Mausam with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore for 2024-25 and 2025-26.
5.For 2026-31, Mission Mausam is proposed to run through four verticals.
6.Under the 2026-31 plan, the Weather_MOD vertical deals with weather modification research strategy.
7.The 2026-27 Budget Estimate for the Mission is wholly under Revenue expenditure.
8.Mission Mausam was launched in January 2025 as a scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
9.The Mithuna global modelling system is run by NCMRWF, Noida.
10.The DAMINI app, which gives lightning warnings, was developed by IITM.
11.The SACHET app, through which IMD's CAP alerts are disseminated, was developed by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
12.Mausamgram provides forecasts at the level of the village or gram panchayat.
13.The Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal was developed by IMD in collaboration with the Ministry of Rural Development.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Earth Science, 23 Jul, 13:28 IST · Release 291720

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Global Engagement Scheme (Cultural Diplomacy)

GS2 International relationsGS1 CulturePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Culture Minister told Rajya Sabha that the Global Engagement Scheme has been revised and continued for FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 299.94 crore.
What it is: The Global Engagement Scheme (GES) is an umbrella scheme of the Ministry of Culture for India's international cultural engagement. It bundles cultural exchange, heritage outreach and safeguarding of intangible heritage under one scheme. It works through bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

Four components: GES has four components: ICEP, Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat and the Scheme for Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India.
ICEP activities: ICEP covers Festivals of India, exchange of artists and troupes, and Cultural Exchange Programmes and MoUs.
CEP coverage: The Ministry has valid Cultural Exchange Programmes with 98 countries.
Multilateral forums: The scheme facilitates India's participation in BRICS, G20, SCO and BIMSTEC cultural forums.
Role of ICCR: ICCR is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs. It complements GES through Indian Cultural Centres abroad and festivals.
Outlay and period: The revised scheme runs from FY 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an outlay of Rs 299.94 crore.
Sub-schemes: Four sub-schemes: International Cultural Exchange Programme, Project Mausam, Brihattar Bharat, and Safeguarding the Intangible Cultural Heritage and Diverse Cultural Traditions of India.
Festivals of India: Under GES, Festivals of India are organised abroad to showcase India's cultural traditions.
Grants-in-aid: The scheme gives grants-in-aid to Indo-Foreign Friendship Cultural Societies through Indian Missions abroad.
ICCR: ICCR is under the Ministry of External Affairs and runs cultural centres abroad, teaching yoga, dance, music and languages.

Don’t confuse with GES vs ICCR: GES is a Ministry of Culture scheme. ICCR is an autonomous body under the Ministry of External Affairs.

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.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Culture, 23 Jul, 15:50 IST · Release 291732

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and Three-Stage Nuclear Programme

GS3 Science and Technology - Nuclear EnergyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: In a Rajya Sabha written reply on 23 July 2026, the Minister said PFBR reached first criticality on 6 April 2026, taking India into stage two of its nuclear programme.
What it is: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is a 500 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. It was designed by IGCAR and is built by BHAVINI. It uses Uranium-Plutonium MOX fuel and breeds Pu-239 from a U-238 blanket, which links India's PHWR stage to the thorium stage.

Criticality date and place: PFBR, built at Kalpakkam in Tamil Nadu, attained first criticality on 6 April 2026.
Fuel and breeding: PFBR uses MOX fuel and a U-238 blanket to breed Pu-239, producing more fuel than it consumes.
Stage one: Stage one uses natural uranium in PHWRs, followed by reprocessing of spent fuel to recover plutonium.
Stage three: Thorium-232 is converted into fissile U-233, which fuels the third stage. This follows only after adequate FBR capacity exists.
Uranium resources: AMD has established 4,42,800 tonne in situ U3O8, and uses AI/ML for mineral potential mapping.
Thorium role: Thorium-232 is fertile, not fissile. It must be converted to U-233 in a breeder reactor using plutonium before it can be used as fuel.
Hydrogen first: On 26 June 2026 IGCAR produced hydrogen using nuclear heat. It coupled a BARC-developed Cu-Cl thermochemical cycle to the sodium loop of FBTR.
Fuel and coolant: PFBR is a 500 MWe sodium-cooled reactor using U-Pu MOX fuel, at Kalpakkam. It is built by BHAVINI.
Heat source: The plant uses nuclear process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor at IGCAR, Kalpakkam.
Technology developer: The Cu–Cl process was developed indigenously by BARC, Mumbai. BARC and IGCAR built the plant jointly.
Why Cu–Cl: It is considered promising for its relatively lower operating temperatures and higher thermodynamic efficiency.
IGCAR: IGCAR has led India's Fast Breeder Reactor programme since its establishment in 1971.
PFBR: The 500 MWe PFBR is the flagship of the second stage of the three-stage programme.
Three stages: Stage 1: PHWRs on natural uranium. Stage 2: fast breeder reactors using plutonium. Stage 3: thorium-based reactors using U-233.
What was commissioned: A 24 kA Prototype Sodium Cell at HWBF, Vadodara, a step towards industrial-scale indigenous nuclear-grade sodium production.
Link to the three stages: Nuclear-grade sodium is a critical material for the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
Deuterated compounds plant: The Versatile Deuterated compounds Production Plant is meant for indigenous production of high-purity deuterated solvents.
Coolant in fast reactors: Fast breeder reactors such as PFBR use liquid sodium as coolant, since water would slow the neutrons.
Capacity and place: The PFBR is an indigenously designed 500 MWe reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. It achieved first criticality on 6 April 2026.
Who built it: IGCAR developed the reactor and BHAVINI built it. It uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel to produce more fuel than it consumes.
Global position: Russia is the only country operating commercial fast breeder reactors now. India is in the advanced stage of commissioning its own.
Stage link: The PFBR marks the second stage and paves the way for use of India's thorium reserves in the third stage.
Coolant and breeding: The PFBR uses liquid sodium as coolant. It breeds plutonium-239 from a uranium-238 blanket.
Nuclear Mission and SMRs: The Nuclear Mission has an allocation of Rs 20,000 crore. Five SMRs are planned by 2033.
Criticality: First criticality means the start of a controlled fission chain reaction. PFBR reached it on 6 April 2026.
Who designed and built it: IGCAR, an R&D centre of DAE, did the design. BHAVINI, a DAE PSU, built and commissioned it.
Thorium link: The blanket is designed to later hold Thorium-232, which transmutes into Uranium-233 to fuel the third stage.
Regulator: AERB cleared the reactor after reviewing plant safety systems before criticality.
Milestone: The PFBR at Kalpakkam attained criticality, meaning a self-sustaining chain reaction was achieved.
Breeding capability: The reactor can generate more fuel than it consumes.
Link to thorium: The achievement paves the way for using India's thorium reserves in the third stage.
Who designs and builds: PFBR was designed by IGCAR and is built by BHAVINI.
Reactor type and fuel: It is a 500 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor using Uranium-Plutonium MOX fuel with a U-238 blanket that breeds Pu-239.

Don’t confuse with PFBR vs PHWR: PFBR is a fast breeder (stage two, sodium-cooled, MOX fuel). PHWRs are stage one, use natural uranium and heavy water.

Don’t confuse with Fertile vs fissile: U-238 and Th-232 are fertile and become fissile Pu-239 and U-233. These fissile isotopes sustain the chain reaction.

Don’t confuse with FBTR vs PFBR: FBTR is the small test fast reactor at Kalpakkam. PFBR is the 500 MWe prototype power reactor.

Don’t confuse with BARC vs IGCAR: BARC (Mumbai) developed the Cu–Cl process. IGCAR (Kalpakkam) runs FBTR and leads the fast reactor programme.

Don’t confuse with Heavy water vs deuterated compounds: Heavy water (D2O) is the moderator and coolant in PHWRs. Deuterated compounds, such as deuterated solvents, are used in research and specialised applications.

Don’t confuse with Moderator vs coolant: PHWRs use heavy water as moderator. Fast reactors use no moderator and use liquid sodium as coolant.

Don’t confuse with Criticality vs commercial operation: First criticality means the chain reaction is self-sustaining. Grid power and commercial operation come later.

Don’t confuse with First criticality vs grid connection: Criticality is the start of a self-sustaining chain reaction. Power generation and grid supply come later, after power-raising tests.

Don’t confuse with Fast breeder vs thermal reactor: A thermal reactor slows neutrons with a moderator. A fast reactor uses fast neutrons with no moderator and can breed fuel.

Don’t confuse with Criticality vs power generation: Criticality means a sustained chain reaction begins. Grid power supply comes later, after further tests and power raising.

Don’t confuse with Fast breeder vs PHWR: PHWRs are heavy water moderated and use natural uranium. Fast reactors use fast neutrons, no moderator, and a liquid metal coolant.

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.

Why it matters

Starts the second stage, moving India toward using its large thorium reserves for long-term energy security.
Builds indigenous capacity, with nearly 90% domestic manufacturing of PFBR equipment.
Reduces dependence on imported uranium and improves energy security.
Opens the route to using India's large thorium reserves.
Shows nuclear heat can serve non-electric uses such as clean hydrogen, supporting decarbonisation and energy security.
Links the fast reactor stage of the three-stage programme to the National Green Hydrogen Mission goals.
Domestic nuclear-grade sodium cuts import dependence for the second stage of the programme.
Supports strategic self-reliance in critical materials.
Starts stage two of the three-stage programme, a step to thorium use.
Helps the 100 GW nuclear target by 2047 and clean energy goals.
Closes the gap between the PHWR stage and thorium use, bringing India closer to using its large thorium reserves.
Gets more energy from limited uranium and gives low-carbon base-load power.
Builds indigenous capability in fuel cycle, materials and reactor engineering, supporting self-reliance.
Advances India's closed fuel cycle by reusing plutonium and breeding fuel.
Opens the route to using vast thorium reserves, aiding energy security.
Shows indigenous design and engineering capability in advanced nuclear technology.

Problems

The third stage depends on adequate FBR capacity being installed first, which is slow.
Sodium coolant handling and strict safety standards raise complexity.
Thorium use at scale needs enough plutonium as driver fuel, which takes time.
Sodium coolant needs careful handling, and FBRs need advanced materials and strict regulatory clearances.
It is only a technology demonstrator. Scale-up and cost competitiveness with electrolysis are unproven.
Handling sodium-cooled fast reactor heat and corrosive Cu–Cl chemistry needs advanced materials and safety systems.
Sodium reacts violently with water and air, so handling needs strict safety measures.
Scaling up from a prototype cell to industrial output must keep the purity nuclear use requires.
High capital cost and long construction delays of fast reactors.
Sodium coolant is hazardous because it reacts with water and air, so safety needs are high.
Sodium coolant reacts with air and water, so safety and leak control are demanding.
Fast reactors cost more and the project ran far beyond its original schedule.
Closed fuel cycle needs reprocessing, plutonium handling and waste management, with proliferation and public concerns.
High cost and long delays in building the prototype.
Sodium coolant is highly reactive, which raises safety and engineering concerns.
Reprocessing and fuel fabrication for closed cycle are complex.

Way forward

Scale up FBR capacity and reprocessing in step with the fleet-mode PHWR build-out.
Continue uranium exploration with AI/ML and advanced surveys to support early stages.
Complete low power physics experiments, obtain step-wise regulatory clearance, and raise power to grid synchronisation.
Continue R&D on molten salt reactors and thorium fuel cycles before large-scale deployment.
Use the plant's operating data to optimise the process, then build pilot-scale units coupled to larger reactors.
Expand fast reactor capacity, including PFBR, to supply high-temperature heat.
Scale the prototype to industrial production with quality assurance.
Build up fast reactor capacity so the second stage can lead to the thorium stage.
Move from the prototype to commercial fast reactors while keeping safety standards high.
Develop the thorium stage and the fuel cycle, with SMRs and private participation under the SHANTI Act.
Run power-raising tests and grid synchronisation under AERB oversight, with transparent safety reporting.
Scale to commercial fast breeder reactors only after cost, safety and performance are proven.
Build reprocessing and fuel fabrication capacity and move toward thorium use.
Move from prototype to commercial fast reactors after proven operation.
Strengthen reprocessing capacity and independent safety oversight.
Build thorium-stage research and fuel cycle step by step.

Put in your answer

Domestic content: IGCAR helped achieve nearly 90% domestic manufacturing of PFBR equipment and systems.

Capacity target: Installed nuclear capacity is to rise from 8780 MW to 22480 MW by 2031/32.

Domestic manufacturing: Nearly 90% of PFBR's equipment and systems were made domestically.

Nuclear hydrogen: Nuclear-heat hydrogen supports decarbonisation of fertilisers, refineries, transport and steel, and the National Green Hydrogen Mission.

FBTR experience: FBTR has served for more than four decades as a platform for fuels, materials and sodium technology, laying the base for PFBR.

Three-stage nuclear programme: Use it as an example of indigenous supply chain building for the second stage, from PHWRs through fast breeders to thorium.

Nuclear power target: India aims for 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

SMR plan: Five SMRs are planned by 2033 under the Nuclear Mission, with SHANTI Act enabling private participation.

Closed fuel cycle: The reactor uses a closed fuel cycle that recycles nuclear materials, improving sustainability and reducing waste.

Three-stage programme: Use the stage-wise link: PHWR, then fast breeders, then thorium reactors, to explain India's long-term energy strategy.

Institutions: IGCAR designed the PFBR and BHAVINI builds it, an example of indigenous capacity in a public-sector model.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 42

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

1.The first stage of India's three-stage programme uses Fast Breeder Reactors with thorium as fuel.
2.In the third stage, Uranium-233 bred from Thorium-232 is the intended fuel.
3.The PFBR at Kalpakkam is a 500 MW reactor implemented by NPCIL.
4.The three-stage programme is based on a closed fuel cycle involving reprocessing of spent fuel.
5.Fast breeder reactors use a moderator such as heavy water to slow neutrons for breeding.
6.The Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research is a unit of the Department of Atomic Energy.
7.In India's three-stage nuclear programme, the second stage uses plutonium from reprocessed PHWR spent fuel in Fast Breeder Reactors.
8.Thorium-232 is a fissile material that can be used directly as reactor fuel.
9.The third stage of the programme relies on Uranium-233 bred from Thorium-232.
10.PFBR uses water as its primary coolant.
11.PFBR was designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research.
12.Uranium-233 fabricated as fuel for the KAMINI reactor was obtained from irradiated thoria pins.
13.PFBR is being built by NPCIL.
14.The newly inaugurated hydrogen facility at Kalpakkam draws process heat from the Fast Breeder Test Reactor.
15.The Copper–Chlorine thermochemical process used in the facility was developed indigenously by BARC.
16.The Cu–Cl cycle is regarded as promising mainly because it needs extremely high operating temperatures compared with other cycles.
17.IGCAR was established in 1971 and has been at the forefront of India's Fast Breeder Reactor programme.
18.The 500 MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is the flagship of the first stage of India's three-stage nuclear power programme.
19.The third stage of India's nuclear programme is based on thorium, with U-233 as the fissile material.
20.In the Cu–Cl cycle, the hydrogen is produced by chemical reactions that split water, with heat supplied by the reactor.
21.The first stage of India's three-stage programme uses fast breeder reactors fuelled with plutonium.
22.The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor at Kalpakkam is a 500 MWe reactor designed indigenously.
23.The PFBR is built by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, which also designed it.
24.The PFBR uses uranium-plutonium mixed oxide fuel and produces more fissile fuel than it consumes.
25.The PFBR is the third stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme and runs mainly on thorium.
26.In the PFBR, fertile uranium-238 in a blanket is converted into fissile plutonium-239.
27.The PFBR uses heavy water as both moderator and coolant.
28.Russia is currently the only country operating commercial fast breeder reactors.
29.The PFBR uses Uranium-Plutonium Mixed Oxide (MOX) fuel in its core.
30.In the PFBR, fertile Uranium-238 in the blanket is converted into fissile Plutonium-239 by fast neutrons.
31.The PFBR was built and commissioned by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research.
32.The blanket of the PFBR is designed to eventually use Thorium-232, which is transmuted into Uranium-233.
33.The PFBR uses heavy water as moderator and coolant.
34.In India's three-stage nuclear programme, the first stage uses pressurised heavy water reactors fuelled by natural uranium.
35.The third stage of India's nuclear programme is based on Plutonium-239 fuel.
36.The PFBR at Kalpakkam has attained criticality, which marks progress in the second stage of India's nuclear programme.
37.The PFBR is capable of producing more fissile fuel than it consumes.
38.The PFBR directly uses thorium as its main fuel, making it a third-stage reactor.
39.The PFBR uses sodium as coolant.
40.The PFBR is built by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
41.In the fast breeder reactor, a U-238 blanket is converted to Pu-239.
42.The first stage of India's nuclear programme uses fast breeder reactors with plutonium fuel.

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

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 23 Jul, 15:57 IST · Release 291739

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Aditya-L1 Mission

GS3 SpacePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Minister of State for Space told the Rajya Sabha about the scientific results of Aditya-L1 and Chandrayaan-3, and how they feed India's future space science missions.
What it is: Aditya-L1 is India's first dedicated solar observatory, launched by ISRO in 2023. It sits in a halo orbit around the Sun-Earth L1 point, which gives it an uninterrupted view of the Sun. It studies the corona, the photosphere, the chromosphere, solar wind and the interplanetary magnetic field.

Objectives: Aditya-L1 studies solar wind particles, the solar corona, near-UV signatures on the solar disc and the interplanetary magnetic field.
Location: Its position around the Sun-Earth L1 point gives a continuous view of the Sun.
Category: Aditya-L1 is a solar physics mission, not a space weather mission, though its data helps build space weather prediction capability.
CME first: It captured the first-ever spectroscopic signatures of the onset phase of a Coronal Mass Ejection.
Flare study: It gave the first comprehensive analysis of photospheric iron fluorescence across 47 X-class flares in 2024.
Launch vehicle: Aditya-L1 was launched by PSLV-C57 on 2 September 2023 and reached its halo orbit at L1 in January 2024.

Don’t confuse with Solar physics vs space weather mission: Solar physics missions study the Sun itself. Space weather missions predict its effects near Earth. Aditya-L1 is the former.

Don’t confuse with L1 vs L2: L1 lies between the Sun and Earth and is used for Sun watching. L2 lies beyond Earth on the far side from the Sun and is used for space telescopes.

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, Department of Space, 23 Jul, 16:02 IST · Release 291747

Issue page →

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

Scheme

BioE3 Policy

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Science & Technology Minister told the Rajya Sabha how the BioE3 Policy is being implemented, citing projects, Bio-AI Hubs, biofoundries and State BioE3 Cells.
What it is: BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) is a policy approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024. It aims to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem for bio-based products. It is run mainly by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and its public sector company BIRAC.

Policy name and approval: BioE3 stands for Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment. The Union Cabinet approved it in August 2024.
Six thematic sectors: These are bio-based chemicals/enzymes, smart proteins and functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, climate-resilient agriculture, carbon capture and utilization, and futuristic marine and space research.
BioE3 Strain Resource Centre: It is set up at BRIC-NCCS, Pune. It gives access to indigenous microbial strains with freedom-to-operate, cutting reliance on imported strains.
Funding by DBT and BIRAC: DBT gives academia grant-in-aid. BIRAC supports start-ups and academia by grant-in-aid, and SMEs and industry through cofunding and royalty sharing.
State BioE3 Cells: BioE3 Cells have been notified in Assam, Sikkim and Himachal Pradesh as State coordination units.
Six thematic areas: The Policy covers biobased chemicals, enzymes and APIs; smart proteins and functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate resilient agriculture; carbon capture and utilization; and marine and space research.
Shared facilities (BioEnablers): The Policy plans Bio-AI Hubs, Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs across the country in PPP mode, under the 'Moolankur' BioEnablers name.
Biomanufacturing Hubs: They give startups, academia and SMEs shared pilot-scale and pre-commercial-scale facilities, bridging lab research and full-scale manufacturing.
ISS microalgae experiment: Three indigenous microalgae (Chlorella sorokiniana-I, Parachlorella kessleri-I, Dysmorphococcus globosus-HI) were tested on the ISS for effects of microgravity, CO2 and O2 levels.
Cyanobacteria experiment: An Indian Spirulina isolate and a fast-growing Synechococcus strain were tested on nitrate and urea in microgravity, towards biological life support for space missions.
DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry: The New Delhi facility uses bacteria and yeast as microbial platforms and can scale production up to 20 litres.
2030 target: India aims for a USD 300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Startups: More than 11,800 biotech startups support the sector, which has more than doubled in size since 2020.
RDI Fund: The Research, Development and Innovation Fund has an outlay of Rs 1 lakh crore; BIRAC has a key role in backing biotech ventures under it.
BIRAC: BIRAC is the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council, which helps connect research with industry and bring ideas to market.

Don’t confuse with DBT vs BIRAC: DBT is the government department for biotechnology. BIRAC is its public sector enterprise that funds start-ups, SMEs and industry.

Don’t confuse with Biofoundry vs Biomanufacturing Hub: A biofoundry gives early scale-up of proof-of-concept work using automation and the Design-Build-Test-Learn cycle. A hub offers larger shared pilot and pre-commercial-scale capacity.

Don’t confuse with Microalgae vs cyanobacteria: Chlorella and related species are eukaryotic microalgae. Spirulina and Synechococcus are cyanobacteria, which are prokaryotes.

Don’t confuse with BioE3 vs. BIRAC: BioE3 is a policy for the bioeconomy. BIRAC is an agency that funds and supports biotech startups and innovation.

Don’t confuse with IBER vs. BIRAC Impact Report: IBER measures the size of India's bioeconomy. The BIRAC Impact Report shows the outcomes of BIRAC's funding and incubation.

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

Builds a domestic biomanufacturing base and cuts import dependence on strains, chemicals and APIs.
Links the bioeconomy with climate goals through carbon capture and bio-based alternatives.
Shared facilities cut upfront costs for startups and SMEs, helping move lab innovations to market.
Space experiments with algae and cyanobacteria point to CO2 capture and food supply in life support systems.
Biotech now drives growth in healthcare, agriculture, climate solutions and sustainable manufacturing.
Bio-based industries can cut dependence on fossil-based products and create jobs.

Problems

Only three States have so far notified BioE3 Cells, so Centre-State coordination is uneven.
Scaling from pilot to commercial production needs shared infrastructure, finance and regulatory clarity.
Scale-up from lab to commercial production is hard and capital-intensive; the Delhi biofoundry reaches only 20 litres.
PPP-based shared infrastructure needs steady funding and skilled manpower.
Scale-up and commercialisation of lab innovations needs long-term capital and shared infrastructure.
Talent and startup activity are concentrated in a few cities, so tier-2 and tier-3 cities need support.

Way forward

Speed up State BioE3 Action Plans and Cells.
Expand biofoundries and biomanufacturing hubs, and link them with industry for commercial scale-up.
Build more pilot and commercial-scale hubs with regulatory support and training in bio-automation.
Link research outputs to industry partners for market entry.
Build shared facilities such as bio foundries and biomanufacturing platforms, and channel RDI Fund money to scale-up projects.
Strengthen industry-academia links and support young researchers and women entrepreneurs.

Put in your answer

Strain Resource Centre: The SRC provides indigenous strains with freedom-to-operate, supporting Make in India.

BioE3 Policy: Approved by the Union Cabinet in August 2024; six thematic areas and BioEnablers to build biomanufacturing capacity.

Biofoundry example: The DBT-ICGEB Biofoundry replaces slow manual processes with bio-automation and AI in the DBTL cycle.

Bioeconomy data: India's bioeconomy was USD 195.3 billion in 2025, about 4.8% of GDP, with a CAGR of nearly 18%.

BioE3 focus areas: The policy promotes precision biotherapeutics, smart proteins, climate-resilient agriculture, bio-based chemicals and carbon capture.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 23 Jul, 16:05 IST · Release 291749

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) Fund

GS3 Science and TechnologyGS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, Dr. Jitendra Singh told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply how the ₹1 lakh crore RDI Fund under ANRF is progressing. TDB and BIRAC have been sanctioned ₹1,000 crore each as Second Level Fund Managers.

Size and launch: Cabinet approved the ₹1 lakh crore Fund on 1 July 2025. The Prime Minister launched it on 3 November 2025.
Fund managers: TDB and BIRAC were approved as Second Level Fund Managers under the Focused Research Organisation category. Each has been sanctioned ₹1,000 crore.
Eligibility threshold: SLFMs support projects at Technology Readiness Level 4 or above.
Funding cap: RDIF assistance is capped at 50% of the assessed project cost. For equity it is 50% of each funding round. The rest is raised by the proponent.

Don’t confuse with RDI Fund vs ANRF: ANRF is the apex body for research funding created by the ANRF Act, 2023. The RDI Fund is one ₹1 lakh crore financing scheme under it.

Don’t confuse with TDB vs BIRAC: TDB funds commercialisation of indigenous technology. BIRAC is a public sector enterprise under DBT that supports biotech start-ups. Both are now SLFMs.

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.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Science & Technology, 23 Jul, 16:06 IST · Release 291750

Issue page →

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

Scheme

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)

GS3 EnvironmentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Environment Ministry told Rajya Sabha that 108 of the 130 NCAP cities cut annual PM10 levels in 2025-26 versus 2017-18, and 65 met the PM2.5 standard.
What it is: The National Clean Air Programme is a city-focused, time-bound programme to cut urban air pollution. It relies on city, state and national clean air action plans that target specific pollution sources. Cities that perform well on air quality get performance-based grants.

Launch and coverage: NCAP was launched in 2019 for 130 cities, including Pune, Surat, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi.
Approach: It is multi-sectoral, involving the Centre, States, Urban Local Bodies and other stakeholders, and it stresses source-specific mitigation.
Funding: Performance-based incentive grants of ₹16,423.56 crore were released to targeted cities from FY 2019-20 to 2025-26 as gap funding.
PM2.5 standard: The PM2.5 NAAQS limit is 40 µg/m³ annual average; 65 NCAP cities met it in 2025-26.

Don’t confuse with PM10 vs PM2.5 standards: PM10 annual standard is 60 µg/m³; PM2.5 is 40 µg/m³.

Don’t confuse with NCAP vs CAQM: NCAP is a city-level programme for 130 cities; CAQM is a statutory body for Delhi-NCR.

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.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 23 Jul, 16:20 IST · Release 291754

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)

GS3 EnvironmentPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 23 July 2026, the Environment Ministry told Rajya Sabha in a written reply about the progress of Mission LiFE, citing participation figures and India's global resolutions.
What it is: Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment) is a mass movement launched in October 2022. It urges individuals and communities to adopt environment-friendly habits through behavioural nudges. It works on seven themes, from saving energy and water to sustainable food systems.

Seven themes: Save Energy, Save Water, Reduce Waste, Reduce E-Waste, Say No to Single Use Plastic, Adopt Healthy Lifestyles, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems.
Two portals: The Mission LiFE Portal is a knowledge repository. The Meri LiFE Portal is for reporting and monitoring of LiFE events.
NDC link: LiFE is one of the qualitative goals in India's NDCs under the Paris Agreement.
UNEA-6 resolution: India's resolution on Promoting Sustainable Lifestyles was adopted unanimously at UNEA-6 in Nairobi on 1 March 2024, co-sponsored by Sri Lanka and Bolivia.
10YFP role: India is on the Board of the 10YFP on Sustainable Consumption and Production and currently serves as Co-Chair.
Net-zero target: India's net-zero target year is 2070.

Don’t confuse with Mission LiFE vs Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Mission LiFE is the broad behaviour-change movement; Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam is a tree-planting initiative run under it.

Don’t confuse with UNEA vs Ramsar COP: UNEA is the UN Environment Programme's governing body; Ramsar COP governs the wetlands convention. India moved LiFE resolutions in both.

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.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 23 Jul, 16:22 IST · Release 291756

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

PM announced fast-track courts for swift punishment in paper leak cases; no legal framework detailed yet.
India will host the 2030 Centenary Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad.
July 2023 to June 2026: India made 12 launch vehicle missions, including 11 national and 9 foreign customer satellites.
BRE Summit & Expo 2026 will be held on 2-5 November in New Delhi with the 9th ISA Assembly and 4th International Conference on Green Hydrogen.
DRDO flight-tested the Kusha long-range surface-to-air missile on 23 July 2026 from APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha.
DRDO's GTRE developed the first indigenous 350 kg thrust class expendable turbojet engine, built with Azad Engineering.
President Murmu made the first State Visit by an Indian President to Romania in nearly three decades, on 23 July 2026.

Source: PIB, 23 Jul

What we left out: 66 of 85 releases

Speeches without a decision (2)
Tributes and ceremonies (3)
Routine technology transfers (1)
Ceremonies and campaigns (4)
Routine project approvals (1)
Same issue as another release (15)
Routine drive tests (3)
Routine data replies (14)
Research study news (1)
Routine monitoring updates (1)
Routine operational measures (1)
Routine MoUs (4)
Routine visits (1)
Routine exercises (1)
Routine inspections (1)
Routine reports and lectures (1)
Routine meetings (1)
Other releases (11)

Practise the day’s news

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

1Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI ActMCQ · 21 true or false · Mains
2Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026MCQ · 20 true or false · Mains
3Vikram-1 (Skyroot Aerospace) and Indian Space Policy 2023MCQ · 6 true or false · Mains
4Judicial Appointments, Collegium and NJACMCQ · 6 true or false · Mains
5Mission MausamMCQ · 13 true or false
6Global Engagement Scheme (Cultural Diplomacy)MCQ · 6 true or false
7Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and Three-Stage Nuclear ProgrammeMCQ · 42 true or false · Mains
8Aditya-L1 MissionMCQ · 6 true or false
9BioE3 PolicyMCQ · 3 true or false
10Research, Development and Innovation (RDI) FundMCQ · 5 true or false
11National Clean Air Programme (NCAP)MCQ · 5 true or false
12Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)MCQ · 7 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Rajya Sabha was told in July 2026 that India has drawn up a roadmap to reach 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047 under the Nuclear Energy Mission, with Small Modular Reactors and the SHANTI Act, 2025 opening the sector to private players. Examine the provisions of this approach and discuss the challenges in achieving the target.

From: Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act

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