Current Affairs, 24 July 2026

Survey rounds compared

The release compares NFHS-5 (2019-21) with NFHS-6 (2023-24).

Fertility

Total Fertility Rate stayed at 2 in both rounds, below the replacement level of 2.1.

Contraception

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate rose from 66.7% to 69.1%.

Rotavirus vaccine

Coverage more than doubled, from 36.4% to 85.4%.

Stunting

Stunting among under-fives fell from 35.5% to 29.3%.

Nodal agency

NFHS is conducted by IIPS, Mumbai, for the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Health insurance

Household coverage by a health insurance or financing scheme rose from 41.0% to 60.2%.

Don’t confuse with NFHS vs SRS: NFHS is a periodic household survey on health and family planning. The Sample Registration System, run by the Registrar General, gives yearly vital rates such as birth rate and TFR.

Don’t confuse with NFHS vs Sample Registration System: NFHS is a periodic household survey run with IIPS. The SRS, run by the Registrar General of India, gives annual vital statistics such as birth rate and infant mortality.

Don’t confuse with Stunting vs wasting vs underweight: Stunting is low height for age, wasting is low weight for height, and underweight is low weight for age.

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

1. 2013Mains GS2 · Q15Health-related MDGs and government success in achieving them
2. 2022Mains GS3 · Q5Health challenges from rising life expectancy and steps needed to meet them
3. 2026Mains GS1 · Q19Critically examine challenges of demographic transition in contemporary India
4. 2024Prelims Q41Defines total fertility rate, a key NFHS family planning indicator
5. 1999Prelims Q75Most accepted reason for Kerala's lowest population growth rate among states

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Outlay

Total outlay is Rs 3,030 crore: Rs 3,000 crore for common infrastructure and basic utilities, Rs 30 crore for administration.

Duration

The scheme runs for 5 years, FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31.

Land requirement

Each park needs at least 8 sq km (2,000 acres) of contiguous, encumbrance-free land.

Selection mode

Three parks will be developed by State Governments under the Challenge Route.

Ministry

The scheme belongs to the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.

Don’t confuse with Chemical parks vs PCPIR: PCPIRs (Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Regions) are an older, larger policy of regional investment zones; BHAVYA Rasayan is a new grant scheme for three dedicated parks.

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.

1. 2018Mains GS4 · Q10Ethics of a chemical unit approved near a city despite pollution concerns
2. 2018Mains GS1 · Q16Significance and characteristics of industrial corridors in India
3. 2011Prelims Q35Purpose of promoting Mega Food Parks: shared infrastructure for food processing industry
4. 2010Prelims Q18SEZ Act 2005 objectives, including development of infrastructure facilities

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Formation of Poshan 2.0

Mission Poshan 2.0 was integrated in Union Budget 2021-22 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Schemes merged

It combines POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services/ICDS and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls.

POSHAN Abhiyaan launch

POSHAN Abhiyaan began in March 2018 as a multi-ministerial convergence mission.

Poshan Tracker

Launched 1 March 2021, it is the digital tool for near real-time monitoring of Anganwadi services.

Beneficiaries

Supplementary Nutrition covers children (6 months to 6 years), pregnant women, lactating mothers and adolescent girls (14-18 years).

Forms of delivery

Supplementary Nutrition is given as Take-Home Ration, Morning Snacks and Hot Cooked Meal.

Legal basis of norms

Nutrition norms come from Schedule-II of the National Food Security Act, 2013, revised in January 2023.

SAM children

Severely Acute Malnourished children aged 6 months to 5 years get additional nutrition as THR.

Dietary Guidelines

The Dietary Guidelines for Indians, 2024 were released by ICMR-NIN; the guidelines urge less edible oil, salt and sugar.

Awareness events

Poshan Maah is in September and Poshan Pakhwada in March-April; Anganwadi workers must hold two Community Based Events a month.

Six services

Supplementary Nutrition, Pre-school Non-formal Education, Nutrition & Health Education, Immunization, Health Check-up and Referral Services are given through Anganwadi Centres.

Health services via NHM

Three of the six services (immunization, health check-up, referral) are health-related and delivered through the National Health Mission and public health infrastructure.

Saksham Anganwadis

Two lakh AWCs in government buildings were sanctioned as Saksham Anganwadis in the 15th Finance Commission cycle.

Worker incentive

Anganwadi Workers get ₹500 and Helpers ₹250 a month for growth monitoring of at least 80% of children aged 0-6 and at least 60% of home visits.

Adolescent girls coverage

Girls aged 14-18 are covered only in Aspirational Districts and all districts of the North Eastern Region.

Honorarium

From 1 October 2018, the honorarium of Anganwadi Workers rose from Rs 3,000 to Rs 4,500 a month. For Helpers it rose from Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,250.

Pankhudi Portal

A portal to enable organisations, individuals and corporates to collaborate on activities under Poshan 2.0, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya.

Don’t confuse with Poshan Maah vs Poshan Pakhwada: Poshan Maah is held in September for a month; Poshan Pakhwada is a two-week campaign held in April.

Don’t confuse with POSHAN Abhiyaan vs Mission Poshan 2.0: POSHAN Abhiyaan (2018) is one component; Poshan 2.0 (2021-22) is the wider mission that includes it along with ICDS and the adolescent girls scheme.

Don’t confuse with Supplementary Nutrition vs Mid-Day Meal (PM POSHAN): Supplementary Nutrition is for under-6 children, mothers and adolescent girls via Anganwadis; PM POSHAN serves school children.

Don’t confuse with Poshan Vatika vs Saksham Anganwadi: Poshan Vatika is a nutrition garden at an AWC; Saksham Anganwadi is an upgraded AWC with LED screens, water filters, ECCE material and a Poshan Vatika.

Don’t confuse with Poshan 2.0 vs POSHAN Abhiyaan: POSHAN Abhiyaan was the earlier 2018 nutrition mission; Poshan 2.0 merged it with Anganwadi Services and the adolescent girls scheme.

Don’t confuse with Poshan Tracker vs Pankhudi Portal: Poshan Tracker is a monitoring app for service delivery and beneficiaries. Pankhudi is a collaboration portal for partners and donors across three Missions.

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.

1. 2013Mains GS2 · Q9Critically examine twin objectives, mandates and success of Mid Day Meal scheme.
2. 2026Mains GS2 · Q7Discuss malnutrition as equity, human development, governance challenge.
3. 2021Mains GS3 · Q13NFSA 2013's salient features and effect on hunger, malnutrition.
4. 2024Mains GS2 · Q7Break poverty-malnutrition cycle affecting human capital formation; suggest steps.
5. 2021Mains GS2 · Q8Can microfinancing women SHGs break the gender, poverty and malnutrition cycle?
6. 2024Prelims Q99Statements on PMSMA antenatal care package and private provider volunteering.
7. 2017Prelims Q23Objectives of National Nutrition Mission, predecessor of POSHAN Abhiyaan.
8. 2016Prelims Q48Features of Initiative for Nutritional Security through Intensive Millets Promotion.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Replaces

The policy replaces the 2014 Guidelines for TV Rating Agencies, dated 16 January 2014.

Net worth

The minimum net worth criterion falls from Rs 20 crore to Rs 5 crore, easing entry for new agencies.

Sample size

Metered homes rise from 50,000 to 80,000. Establishment surveys are to be held every three years.

Independence safeguards

At least 33% of an agency's board must be independent directors. Cross-holding limits apply and consultancy or advisory work that may cause conflict of interest is barred.

Registration

Any entity in the TV ratings business must register under the new policy. No entity is registered yet, and there is no cap on the number of agencies.

Board independence

At least half of an agency's board must be independent directors with no ties to broadcasters or advertisers. Agencies cannot take consultancy roles that create conflicts.

Dual audit

Quarterly internal audits and annual independent external audits are mandatory. The Ministry will form an Audit & Oversight Team for field inspections.

Landing page

Landing page viewership is not counted in ratings and may be used only as a marketing tool.

Don’t confuse with Rating policy vs. Cable TV Act: The rating policy is an executive framework for rating agencies. The Cable Television Networks (Regulation) Act, 1995 governs cable operators and programme content.

Don’t confuse with TV Rating Policy 2026 vs 2014 Guidelines: The 2026 policy replaced the 16 January 2014 guidelines. Do not treat the 2014 net worth of Rs 20 crore as the current norm.

Don’t confuse with Rating agency vs distribution platform: Rating agencies need registration. DTH or OTT platforms may publish their own viewership data without registration or permission.

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.

1. 2014Mains GS2 · Q7Critically evaluate pros and cons of increasing FDI in news media.
2. 2026Mains GS3 · Q9Explain fake news threats to internal security and the 2021 IT Rules amendments.
3. 2015Mains GS2 · Q16Discuss need for independent, autonomous regulatory institutions, citing recent experiences.
4. 2022Prelims Q63Which statements about credit rating agencies, RBI regulation, and ICRA are correct?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Second round

The second round of negotiations was held from 20 to 23 July 2026 at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi.

Terms of Reference

The ToR signed in November 2025 gives the structured framework for the talks.

Trade size

Total merchandise trade between the two was USD 3.93 billion in FY 2025-26.

Chapters discussed

Experts covered goods, services, rules of origin, SPS measures, technical barriers to trade, IPR, customs procedures and trade facilitation, and economic cooperation.

Chief negotiators

India's chief negotiator is Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce.

Round one dates and place

The first negotiating round was held in New Delhi from 23 to 26 February 2026.

Areas discussed

Talks covered goods, services, rules of origin, SPS measures, technical barriers to trade, customs procedures, IPR and digital trade.

Next steps

The sides will continue inter-sessional talks virtually. The next in-person round is in Israel in May 2026.

Don’t confuse with FTA vs CEPA: An FTA mainly covers tariff cuts on goods and often services. A CEPA is wider and adds investment and economic cooperation.

Don’t confuse with Rules of origin vs SPS: Rules of origin decide which goods qualify for tariff benefits. SPS measures deal with food safety and plant and animal health.

Don’t confuse with FTA vs Terms of Reference: The ToR is only the framework and scope for talks. The FTA is the final binding trade agreement that follows negotiation.

Don’t confuse with Rules of origin vs SPS measures: Rules of origin decide whether a product qualifies for tariff concessions. SPS measures are food safety and plant and animal health rules.

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.

1. 2014Mains GS2 · Q17Impact on India's interests of agreements lowering IT product tariffs to zero.
2. 2018Mains GS2 · Q9Discuss how India's relations with Israel have gained depth and diversity.
3. 2025Mains GS3 · Q2Challenges to Indian economy amid shift from free trade to bilateralism and protectionism.
4. 2013Mains GS2 · Q20Policy constraints inhibiting India-Japan economic ties despite recent growth.
5. 2010Prelims Q15Context of 'Special Safeguard Mechanisms' phrase: UNEP, WTO, ASEAN-India FTA, or G-20?
6. 2017Prelims Q82Which bilateral trade and investment agreement negotiations was India involved in? Options given.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Run by

DPIIT runs ODOP, but the States/UTs select the products.

Coverage

1,244 products have been identified across 773 districts.

Funding

ODOP has no district-specific financial allocation. States are encouraged to use other Central and State schemes.

PM Ekta Malls

Under SASCI, up to ₹200 crore per State/UT with a legislature is given as a 50-year interest-free loan for Unity Malls selling ODOP, GI and handicraft products.

PMFME

PMFME, run by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, uses the ODOP approach and gives a 35% credit-linked subsidy capped at ₹10 lakh.

Market access

A dedicated ODOP Storefront on GeM lists over 500 categories covering over 1,300 products.

Don’t confuse with ODOP vs Districts as Export Hubs: ODOP selects and promotes a product per district. Districts as Export Hubs identifies export-potential products and services in districts (734 so far) and uses district export action plans.

Don’t confuse with DPIIT vs MoFPI: DPIIT (Commerce) runs ODOP. The Ministry of Food Processing Industries runs PMFME, which applies the ODOP approach to food processing.

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.

1. 2019Mains GS1 · Q6Can regional resource-based manufacturing promote employment in India?
2. 2025Mains GS3 · Q14Scope of food processing industries and government employment measures
3. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Government policies to boost manufacturing share, especially MSMEs
4. 2026Prelims Q29Implications of Oeko-Tex certification for Eri Silk in global markets

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Issuing ministry

The guidelines come from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and were sent to all States and UTs.

Constitutional basis for State role

Land and colonization are State subjects, so the Centre issued model guidelines as a reference, not a binding law.

Infrastructure standards

The guidelines prescribe accessibility and safety features such as ramps, lifts, handrails, power backup, ambulance services and panic alarms.

RERA coverage

Retirement homes fall under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016, so they must meet its transparency and consumer protection norms.

Don’t confuse with Model Guidelines vs binding law: Model guidelines are advisory for States. A statute like RERA or the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007 is legally enforceable.

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.

1. 2020Mains GS2 · Q6Discuss geriatric and maternal health care policies for social development.
2. 2022Mains GS3 · Q5What health challenges arise from rising life expectancy, and how to meet them?
3. 2013Mains GS1 · Q17Critically examine globalization's effect on India's aged population.
4. 2004Prelims Q9Which statement on Annapurna scheme for indigent senior citizens is incorrect?
5. 1997Prelims Q24Which State passed a 1996 law making maintenance of parents mandatory?

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.

Current legal position

The law already allows more than one distribution licensee in an area, but each must build its own network. This duplicates poles, lines and substations.

Proposed access model

Incumbents keep owning and running their networks. New licensees pay regulated wheeling charges to use them, or build their own network where the State Commission permits.

Role of State Commissions

State Electricity Regulatory Commissions will frame the detailed implementation rules for fair, transparent, non-discriminatory access.

Universal service obligation

All distribution licensees stay bound by the universal service obligation, so supply cannot be limited to profitable consumers.

Existing precedent

The Minister cited Mumbai, where supplier choice has worked for several years under State Commission supervision.

Don’t confuse with Parallel licensing vs open access: Open access lets large consumers buy power from a chosen source using the distribution network. Parallel licensing creates a second distribution licensee supplying consumers in the same area.

Don’t confuse with Wheeling charges vs transmission charges: Wheeling charges are paid for using the distribution network. Transmission charges are paid for using the high-voltage transmission grid.

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.

1. 2006Prelims Q65Statements on Appellate Tribunal for Electricity and APDRP distribution upgradation components.
2. 2016Prelims Q7Purpose of UDAY scheme: financial turnaround of power distribution companies.

UPSC’s own questions that come close to this issue, from our Prelims and Mains banks.