UPSC current affairs · Thursday

Current Affairs, 25 June 2026

12 issues picked from 55 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

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010. Health Ministry decriminalises minor lapses under Clinical Establishments Act, replacing fines with administratively adjudicated penalties under Jan Vishwas.
Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Authorisation Rules. DoT starts online authorisation and licence migration under Telecommunications Act, 2023, after rules notified on 23 June 2026.
Drugs Rules, 1945 and Schedule H2 QR Code Track and Trace. Health Ministry extends QR-code track and trace to vaccines, antimicrobials, anti-cancer and narcotic drugs, phased from 2027.
Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM). MHI extends REPM scheme tender bid deadline to 29 July 2026 for wider participation.
Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System. DRDO's Netra airborne early warning system gets Final Operational Clearance from IAF, nine years after initial clearance.
Ebola Outbreak, PHEIC and International Health Regulations 2005. India adds a paperless health declaration portal at airports after WHO's Ebola PHEIC declaration.
BRICS and India's 2026 Chairship. India hosted BRICS energy ministers, launched a smart grid and storage centre, and adopted a communiqué.
SHATAYU Dashboard for Geriatric Caregivers. Ministry defends SHATAYU caregiver dashboard, says glitches are being fixed and social media claims are misleading.
PAIMANA Portal for Infrastructure Project Monitoring. MoSPI's PAIMANA tracks 1,987 central infrastructure projects costing ₹42.50 lakh crore; 51.34% spent.
Indian Railways Wagon Design Policy. Railways will let industries design commodity-specific wagons, with RDSO and CCRS ensuring safety, to shift freight to rail.
Export Promotion Mission (EPM). Goyal reviews Export Promotion Mission: ten interventions live, fortnightly export committees, district hubs drive running.
LPG Supply Restrictions under Essential Commodities Act during West Asia Crisis. Government lifts crisis-time LPG curbs on industry and commerce as supply improves, while pushing PNG.

Law and statutory body

Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010

GS2 Governance, laws and regulationGS3 Ease of doing businessPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 22 June 2026 the Health Ministry notified amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026; the ministry announced this on 25 June 2026.
What it is: The Legal Metrology Act, 2009 regulates weights, measures and packaged commodities to protect consumers and ensure fair trade. It requires registration, model approval and standard units, and penalises violations. The Jan Vishwas approach amends many Central Acts together to decriminalise or soften minor, procedural offences and promote ease of doing business.

Mechanism: A Legal Metrology Officer can issue an Improvement Notice that names the deficiency and gives reasonable time to rectify it.
Legal route: The notice was brought in through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, which amends the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.
Who it covers: It applies to manufacturers, importers, packers, dealers, repairers, traders, MSMEs and other regulated entities.
Limits: Fraud, repeated violations and tampering still face strict action, and the notice covers only specified first-time procedural lapses.
Failure to comply: Not complying with the notice, or repeating the lapse, still attracts action under the Act.
Drugs and Cosmetics Act, Section 29: The penalty of up to ₹1 lakh for using a Government Analyst's report in advertising a drug or cosmetic has been omitted.
Section 28A: Violations of procedural duties, such as keeping records and submitting information, now attract administrative penalties.
Low-risk cosmetics: Minor quality lapses and labelling errors in low-risk cosmetics fall under an administrative penalty framework. Spurious or adulterated cosmetics still face strict penal provisions.
Adjudication and appeal: Provisions for Adjudicating Authorities and an Appeal Mechanism have been introduced to dispose of such cases.
Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: Interfering with seized items now carries up to three months' imprisonment instead of six.
Obstructing a Food Safety Officer: This offence is omitted from the FSS Act because the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita already covers it.
Notification date: The amendments under the Clinical Establishments Act were notified on 22 June 2026.
Scope of the Jan Vishwas Act, 2026: It covers 79 Central Acts run by 23 Ministries and Departments.
Health sector share: 35 provisions across five Acts of the Health Ministry were amended.
Fine to penalty: In Sections 40, 43 and 46, 'fine' is replaced by 'penalty', shifting from criminal prosecution to administrative adjudication.
Adjudicating authority: The Section 41 adjudicating authority is strengthened and now covers proceedings under Sections 40, 43 and 44.
Basis of reform: The notification implements recommendations of the High-Level Committee on Regulatory Reforms.
Scale of amendment: 784 provisions in 79 Central Acts, administered by 23 Ministries, are amended.
Split of changes: 717 provisions are decriminalised for ease of doing business and 67 are amended for ease of living.
Earlier law: The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023 was the first such law, amending 42 Central Acts.
Scale of the 2026 Bill: It amends 784 provisions of 79 Central Acts run by 23 Ministries.
Jan Vishwas Act, 2023: The first law in this series decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts.

Don’t confuse with Improvement Notice vs penalty: The notice is a chance to correct a first-time procedural lapse before penal proceedings begin. It is not a waiver of the offence for repeat or fraudulent acts.

Don’t confuse with Legal Metrology Act, 2009 vs Consumer Protection Act, 2019: The first regulates standards of weights, measures and packaged goods. The second gives consumers remedies for defective goods, deficient services and unfair trade practices.

Don’t confuse with Decriminalisation vs. legalisation: Jan Vishwas replaces jail or court fines with administrative penalties for minor lapses. The acts are still violations. Serious offences stay criminal.

Don’t confuse with Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 vs. Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006: The first governs the quality and sale of drugs and cosmetics. The second governs food safety and standards. Both were amended here.

Don’t confuse with Jan Vishwas Act 2023 vs 2026: The 2023 Act was the first round of decriminalisation; the 2026 Act is a later amendment covering 79 Central Acts.

Don’t confuse with Fine vs penalty: A fine is imposed by a court after criminal prosecution; a penalty here is imposed by an adjudicating authority after a hearing.

Don’t confuse with Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 vs Bill 2025 vs Bill 2026: 2023 Act: 183 provisions, 42 Acts. 2025 Bill: 355 provisions, 16 Acts, withdrawn. 2026 Bill: 784 provisions, 79 Acts.

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

Reduces compliance burden and litigation for honest businesses, especially MSMEs, supporting ease of doing business.
Lets enforcement officers focus on deliberate and repeat violations that harm consumers.
Reduces the compliance burden and the fear of prosecution for businesses, supporting ease of doing business.
Separates technical lapses from serious public health offences, so enforcement is proportionate and courts are less burdened.
Decriminalising procedural lapses eases doing business and reduces fear of prosecution for clinics and hospitals.
Administrative adjudication with hearing and appeal reduces court burden and litigation.
Reduces compliance burden and fear of prosecution for businesses and citizens.
Supports trust-based governance and proportionate regulation.
Frees courts and enforcement from minor cases, so they can focus on serious offences.
Replaces jail terms for minor defaults with penalties, easing compliance and the business climate.
Reduces litigation load on courts through adjudication and appeal mechanisms.
Supports proportionate, trust-based regulation.

Problems

Officers' discretion in deciding what is a genuine first-time lapse may cause inconsistency or misuse.
Weaker deterrence could let some traders treat violations as costless until noticed.
Administrative penalties may weaken deterrence if adjudicators are weak or penalties are low.
Adjudicating authorities and appeal bodies need capacity and independence to avoid delays and arbitrariness.
Weaker deterrence may hurt patient safety if penalties are too low or poorly enforced.
Adjudicating authorities need capacity, independence and uniform implementation across States, many of which have not adopted the Act.
Weaker deterrence where minor offences affect public safety, health or the environment.
Penalties may be too low or poorly enforced, and states must amend their own laws too.
Omnibus amendments across many Acts get limited scrutiny.
Weaker penalties may reduce deterrence where offences affect safety, health or environment.
Adjudicating Officers and Appellate Authorities need capacity and independence to avoid delays.
Amending 79 Acts in one Bill may limit detailed scrutiny of each change.

Way forward

Set clear rules and timelines for issuing notices, and keep a record to detect repeat offenders.
Publish data on notices issued and complied with, and keep consumer complaint channels strong.
Set up and staff adjudication and appeal bodies quickly, with published orders for transparency.
Keep strict criminal penalties for spurious, adulterated and unsafe products, and monitor outcomes.
Build adjudication capacity and publish penalty orders for transparency.
Monitor outcomes on patient safety and quality, and review penalty levels periodically.
Keep criminal liability for offences that cause real harm; use graded penalties.
Extend reforms to State laws and review the Acts the Select Committee flagged.
Build strong adjudication and appeal mechanisms for penalties.
Keep criminal liability for offences that cause harm or are repeated, and graduate penalties by risk.
Staff and train adjudicating and appellate bodies and set time limits.
Review state laws too, since many compliance burdens arise there.

Put in your answer

Trust-based governance: The Department describes the reform as part of 'Minimum Government, Maximum Governance', shifting from punishment to facilitation without dropping enforcement.

Proportionate enforcement example: Minor cosmetic labelling errors get administrative penalties, while spurious or adulterated cosmetics stay criminal. This shows the trust-based yet safeguarded approach.

Avoiding duplication: Obstructing a Food Safety Officer was dropped from the FSS Act because the BNS already covers it.

Principle: Trust-based governance: replace criminal penalties for procedural lapses with proportionate administrative penalties, while preserving oversight.

Due process safeguards: The amendments provide hearing, penalty recovery and an appeal framework.

Jan Vishwas Act, 2023: It decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts, the base for the current reform.

Test yourselfMains

True or false?

1 of 11

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

1.The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 amends provisions in 79 Central Acts administered by 23 Ministries and Departments.
2.Section 44 of the Clinical Establishments Act has been amended to provide graded and proportionate penalties for contraventions by companies.
3.The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 was published in the Official Gazette on 22 June 2026.
4.Of the provisions amended, 717 have been decriminalised to promote Ease of Doing Business.
5.The Bill was first introduced in the Rajya Sabha in August 2025.
6.The Select Committee on the Bill was chaired by Tejasvi Surya.
7.The Jan Vishwas approach generally replaces imprisonment for minor offences with monetary penalties in several cases.
8.The Select Committee recommended decriminalisation in 62 additional Central Acts.
9.The Bill's amended Acts are administered by a single Ministry.
10.The Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 decriminalised 183 provisions in 42 Central Acts.
11.The 2025 Jan Vishwas Bill was passed by Parliament and the 2026 Bill is a separate follow-up law.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 25 Jun, 13:21 IST · Release 290479

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Authorisation Rules

GS3 Telecom regulationGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026, DoT opened an online portal to accept applications for telecom service authorisations and for migrating existing licences under the Telecommunications Act, 2023. The rules for both were notified on 23 June 2026.
What it is: The Telecommunications Act, 2023 replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. It moves telecom services from a licensing regime to an authorisation regime. Section 3 requires authorisation from the Central Government to provide telecom services or networks, or to hold radio equipment.

Digital by design: The rules are implemented online, with application modules for fresh authorisation and for migration.
Acts replaced: The 2023 Act replaced the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933.
Administrative authority: The Act is administered by the Department of Telecommunications under the Ministry of Communications; it requires Central Government authorisation for telecom services.

Don’t confuse with Authorisation vs licence: Licences were granted under the Telegraph Act, 1885 regime; the 2023 Act uses authorisation, and existing licences can migrate.

Don’t confuse with DoT vs TRAI: DoT, part of the Ministry of Communications, grants authorisations; TRAI is the independent sector regulator that recommends and regulates tariffs.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Communications, 25 Jun, 16:22 IST · Release 290497

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Drugs Rules, 1945 and Schedule H2 QR Code Track and Trace

GS3 Science and technology, health regulationGS2 HealthPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026 the Union Health Ministry notified amendments to the Drugs Rules, 1945. They add all vaccines, antimicrobials, NDPS drugs and anti-cancer drugs to Schedule H2, which requires a QR Code for track and trace.
What it is: The Drugs Rules, 1945 are made under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. They regulate the import, manufacture, sale and distribution of drugs in India. Schedule H2 is the part of the Rules that lists drugs whose labels must carry a Bar Code or QR Code for authentication.

Rules amended: The Drugs Rules, 1945 were amended to widen Schedule H2.
Newly covered drugs: Vaccines, antimicrobials, NDPS Act narcotic and psychotropic drugs, and anti-cancer drugs now fall under Schedule H2.
Where the code goes: Manufacturers must put the code on the primary packaging label, or on the secondary label if space is short.
Earlier coverage: Earlier the QR Code rule applied only to the top 300 pharmaceutical brands.
Phased dates: Vaccines, narcotic and psychotropic drugs and anti-cancer drugs: 1 July 2027. Antimicrobials: 1 July 2028.
Parent law: The Drugs Rules, 1945 are framed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Don’t confuse with Schedule H vs H1 vs H2: Schedule H and H1 deal with prescription-only drugs. Schedule H2 here is the list requiring a QR Code for track and trace.

Don’t confuse with Drugs Rules, 1945 vs Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940: The Act is the parent law passed by Parliament. The Rules are subordinate legislation made under it by the Centre.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 25 Jun, 13:20 IST · Release 290478

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)

GS3 Industry, critical mineralsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026 the Ministry of Heavy Industries extended the REPM scheme's global tender deadline from 29 June to 29 July 2026, after stakeholders asked for more time.
What it is: The Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets is a Ministry of Heavy Industries scheme. It aims to build integrated sintered NdFeB magnet capacity in India, from NdPr oxide to finished magnets. Capacity is awarded through global competitive bidding, and incentives are paid on the sale of magnets.

Capacity target: The scheme targets 6,000 MTPA of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity in India.
Duration: The scheme runs 7 years from the date of award: a 2-year gestation period plus 5 years of incentive on sales.
Uses: REPMs are used in electric vehicles, wind turbines, high-end electronics, aerospace and defence.
Outlay: The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 26 November 2025 with an outlay of Rs 7,280 crore.
Tender: The global tender was invited on 20 March 2026 to select manufacturers as beneficiaries.
Value chain: The scheme covers the chain from NdPr oxide to finished magnets.

Don’t confuse with REPM scheme vs National Critical Mineral Mission: The REPM scheme is an MHI manufacturing incentive for magnets. The National Critical Mineral Mission is a Ministry of Mines programme for mineral exploration, mining and processing.

Don’t confuse with Rare earth magnets vs critical mineral mission: The REPM scheme (MHI) funds magnet manufacturing. The National Critical Mineral Mission (Ministry of Mines) deals with mineral exploration and 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.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 11

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

1.The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
2.The scheme has a financial outlay of Rs 7,280 crore.
3.The scheme aims to establish 6,000 MTPA of integrated REPM manufacturing capacity.
4.The scheme's total duration is 7 years from the date of award, including a 2-year gestation period.
5.Incentives under the scheme are paid for 5 years as capital subsidy on setting up the plant, before production begins.
6.The scheme seeks to build a value chain in India from NdPr oxide to finished magnets.
7.Beneficiaries are selected through nomination by the Ministry of Mines without competitive bidding.
8.The REPM scheme is administered by the Ministry of Heavy Industries.
9.The scheme targets a total capacity of 6,000 metric tons per annum of integrated REPM manufacturing.
10.The scheme aims to build a value chain only for finished magnets, leaving out NdPr oxide.
11.Neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets, the type covered by the scheme, are permanent magnets made using rare earth elements.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises, 25 Jun, 16:01 IST · Release 290494

Issue page →

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

Defence and security

Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) System

GS3 Defence technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On June 25, 2026, DRDO handed the Final Operational Clearance (FOC) certificate of the indigenous Netra AEW&C system to the Indian Air Force at Bengaluru.
What it is: Netra is an Indian airborne early warning and control system built by DRDO's Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS). It puts a radar on an aircraft to detect aerial threats at long range and direct air battles. The IAF flies it for surveillance, situational awareness and battle management.

FOC handed over: DRDO gave the IAF the FOC certificate for Netra AEW&C in Bengaluru on 25 June 2026.
Earlier IOC: Initial Operational Clearance for Netra came in 2017, so FOC followed years later.
Developer: The system was developed by the IAF, DRDO and industry partners working together. The DRDO lab CABS leads airborne system design.
Operational use: The Deputy Chief of the Air Staff spoke of Netra's use and reliability in Operation Sindoor and the Balakot strikes.
Role of AEW&C: AEW&C aircraft carry a radar to detect aircraft and missiles at long range and to coordinate fighters. This extends the range of ground radars.

Don’t confuse with AEW&C vs AWACS: AEW&C is the general term for airborne radar-and-command aircraft. AWACS is the name of the US-built Boeing E-3 type. Netra is DRDO's indigenous AEW&C.

Don’t confuse with IOC vs FOC: IOC means a system is cleared for operational use with limits. FOC means all required capabilities have been proven and certified.

Defence: Prelims tests exercises (with whom), equipment (who makes it) and firsts.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Defence, 25 Jun, 18:08 IST · Release 290509

Issue page →

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

International relations

Ebola Outbreak, PHEIC and International Health Regulations 2005

GS2 International organisations and healthGS3 Science and technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026 the Civil Aviation Ministry and DIAL launched AIR SUVIDHA 2.0, a contactless health self-declaration portal for international arrivals, after WHO declared the Ebola (Bundibugyo) outbreak in DRC and Uganda a PHEIC on 17 May 2026.
What it is: A Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) is a formal WHO declaration under the International Health Regulations (2005) for an extraordinary public health event that may spread across borders and needs a coordinated international response. The IHR (2005) are a legally binding framework for WHO member states to detect, assess, report and respond to such events. Bundibugyo virus is one of the ebolaviruses that cause Ebola disease.

PHEIC declaration: WHO declared the Ebola/Bundibugyo outbreak in DRC and Uganda a PHEIC on 17 May 2026.
Legal basis: The declaration is made under the International Health Regulations 2005, which bind WHO member states.
Who declares: The WHO Director-General declares a PHEIC, after advice from an Emergency Committee convened under the IHR.
Virus identified: The outbreak is confirmed as Bundibugyo virus disease (BVD), and countries bordering DRC and Uganda, including South Sudan, are assessed as high-risk.
Data sharing: The portal shares data in real time with the Airport Health Officer, Bureau of Immigration, IDSP and State Surveillance Officers.
Africa CDC declaration: Africa CDC declared the outbreak in the DR Congo and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of Continental Security (PHECS).
Temporary recommendations: The WHO IHR Emergency Committee met on 22 May 2026 and issued temporary recommendations, including stronger surveillance at Points of Entry.
No approved vaccine: No vaccine or specific treatment is approved for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo strain.
India's position: India has reported no Bundibugyo case. It advises avoiding non-essential travel to the DR Congo, Uganda and South Sudan.
Legal basis of PHEIC: A PHEIC is declared by the WHO Director-General under the IHR (2005), on the advice of an Emergency Committee. The IHR bind WHO member states.

Don’t confuse with PHEIC vs pandemic: A PHEIC is a legal declaration under the IHR. 'Pandemic' is a description of wide global spread, not an IHR category.

Don’t confuse with Bundibugyo vs Zaire ebolavirus: Both cause Ebola disease, but they are different species of ebolavirus. Bundibugyo is the species behind this outbreak.

Don’t confuse with PHEIC vs PHECS: PHEIC is a WHO global declaration under the IHR (2005). PHECS is an Africa CDC declaration for the African continent.

Don’t confuse with Temporary vs standing recommendations: Temporary recommendations under the IHR are issued for a specific event and expire in three months unless extended. Standing recommendations cover ongoing public health risks.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: WHO PHEIC under IHR 2005 is a lasting topic; international bodies are 19% of news-linked Prelims questions, but this item has few testable facts.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 25 Jun, 12:38 IST · Release 290476

Issue page →

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

International relations

BRICS and India's 2026 Chairship

GS2 International relations · GroupingsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026, India hosted the 11th BRICS Energy Ministers' Meeting in Gurugram under its BRICS Chairship. It adopted a Joint Communiqué and launched a Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage.
What it is: BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that works through three pillars: political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges. The chair rotates yearly and sets the agenda and theme. The BRICS Parliamentary Forum brings together legislatures of member countries for parliamentary diplomacy alongside the leaders' summit.

Forum and theme: The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum was held in New Delhi on 26-27 October 2026 under the theme of people-centric development.
India's chairship: India's 2026 chairship carries the theme 'Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability'. India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit on 12-13 September 2026.
Three pillars: Cooperation runs across political and security, economic and financial, and cultural and people-to-people pillars.
IPU and BRICS Plus: Members noted Russia's initiative to consider a BRICS Plus geopolitical group within the Inter-Parliamentary Union.
Next chair: China will chair BRICS in 2027.
Counter-terrorism machinery: The declaration welcomes the BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group and its five subgroups, and calls for early adoption of the Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism at the UN.
Event: The 12th BRICS Parliamentary Forum 2026 was inaugurated by the Lok Sabha Speaker at Samvidhan Sadan, Parliament House Complex, New Delhi.
Theme: The theme is 'Strengthening Parliaments for People-Centric Development'.
Four pillars: The two-day Forum discusses four pillars: resilience, innovation, cooperation and sustainability.
Summit link: The BRICS Summit of Heads of State and Government in New Delhi, chaired by PM Modi, unanimously adopted a Joint Statement.
Modi's vision: PM Modi's vision is to make BRICS an 'ecosystem of solutions'.
Members at the meeting: Ten BRICS tax administrations took part: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa and the UAE.
New working groups: Two India-led Working Groups were set up: International Taxation and Transfer Pricing, and Revenue Statistics. They will continue beyond the Chairship.
Host body: The meeting was hosted by the Central Board of Direct Taxes, Ministry of Finance.
Next tax-track Chair: China is the incoming Chair of the BRICS tax cooperation track for 2027.
Institutional outcomes: The Young Tax Professionals programme became an annual feature. The Tax Cross-Learning Lab was launched. Terms of Reference of the BRICS Tax Support Network were approved.
UN tax negotiations: India stressed that BRICS views matter in the negotiations on the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation.
Summit and host: The 18th BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi, with India as chair in 2026.
Outcome document: The summit adopted the New Delhi BRICS Leaders' Declaration, setting shared priorities and direction for BRICS cooperation.
Reform of the UN: India's PM called for greater representation in global institutions, especially the UN Security Council.
BRICS financial institutions: BRICS has the New Development Bank (HQ Shanghai) and the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
Summit and theme: The XVIII BRICS Summit met in New Delhi on 12-13 September 2026. Its theme was Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.
UNSC reform stand: China and Russia reiterated support for the aspirations of Brazil and India to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council.
WTO dispute settlement: BRICS called for immediate restoration of a fully functioning two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement system and appointment of new Appellate Body members.
Share of global trade: BRICS accounts for nearly one-fourth of global trade, according to the Commerce Minister.
Intra-BRICS trade growth: Trade among BRICS countries rose from USD 84 billion in 2003 to nearly USD 1.2 trillion in 2024.
Strategy document: The BRICS Economic Partnership Strategy 2030 guides economic integration among members. The Jaipur Consensus was cited as a basis for a common BRICS mechanism to support MSMEs.
Startup and business bodies: India's Chairship has pushed the BRICS incubator network and the BRICS Startup Innovation Fund. The BRICS Business Council and the BRICS Women's Business Alliance bring business into the BRICS process.
Original members: The original BRIC grouping was Brazil, Russia, India and China. South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
India's earlier Chairships: India chaired BRICS in 2012, 2016 and 2021. The 2012 Delhi Summit proposed a development bank and laid the basis of the Contingent Reserve Arrangement.
Share of world: Members hold 49.5% of world population, 40% of global GDP and 26% of global trade.
Host office: The meeting was hosted by the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trade Marks under DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
Main outcome: The meeting adopted Updated Operational Guidelines to guide result-oriented cooperation and joint efforts on global IP standards.
Patent cooperation study: Progress was noted on a study on reinforced patent examination cooperation to reduce backlogs and improve exchange of search results.
Traditional knowledge: The IP heads recognised the importance of protecting and preserving traditional knowledge and traditional systems of medicine.
Meeting: The 12th BRICS Environment Ministers' Meeting was held in New Delhi under India's 2026 Chairship, led by Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav.
Chairship theme: India's chairship redefines BRICS as 'Building Resilience and Innovation for Cooperation and Sustainability', with a people-centric approach and the spirit of 'Humanity First'.
Four priorities: The environment track priorities are sustainable lifestyles; afforestation, forest fire management and disaster resilience; circular economy; and adaptation.
Outcome: The meeting adopted the Joint Ministerial Statement by consensus. It has four Outcome Documents, and four Knowledge Compendiums were launched.
Outcome documents: They cover a network of institutions on sustainable lifestyles, landscape management against desertification, forest fire preparedness, and community-based climate adaptation.
Decision-making: BRICS works by consensus and has no secretariat or charter; the chair rotates annually.
BRICS CONNECT: An India-proposed platform for technical cooperation, knowledge exchange and capacity building among BRICS members, covering labour market intelligence, skills forecasting and social security.
Declaration priorities: The Declaration has four priorities: social security and formalisation, women's participation, employability and skills mapping, and digital technologies for all workers including gig and platform workers.
ILO occupations study: The ILO, with India and Brazil, is running a feasibility study on an International Reference Classification of Occupations; members are encouraged to join a pilot in Digital, Care and Green sectors.
Knowledge partners: ILO, the International Social Security Association and the UN Resident Coordinator's Office supported the technical deliberations.
Social protection coverage: ILO running estimates put India's social protection reach at 1 billion people.
Meeting and place: The 3rd BRICS Transport Ministers' Meeting was held in Nagpur, Maharashtra, on 11 July 2026 under India's chairship.
Working Group role: The Transport Working Group's senior officials finalised the agenda outcomes and the draft Declaration before ministers adopted it.
Declaration themes: The Declaration covers circularity in infrastructure, Sustainable Aviation Fuel, transport decarbonisation, urban mobility hubs, logistics supply chain cooperation and a BRICS Railway Research Network.
Decision by consensus: The Declaration was adopted unanimously, reflecting BRICS' consensus-based way of working.
Chair rotation: The BRICS chair rotates annually, and India will hand over these initiatives to the next chair.
New centre: The BRICS Digital Centre of Excellence for Smart Grids and Energy Storage was launched under the Energy Research Cooperation Platform. It is a voluntary platform for knowledge sharing and capacity building.
Guiding principles: The BRICS Guiding Principles on Smart Grids and Energy Storage were adopted.
Other bodies present: The International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuels Alliance and the New Development Bank took part in the deliberations.
Energy Track theme: India's Energy Track theme was "Sarveshaam Urjam" (Energy for All), with three priorities: energy security, energy access and equity, and technology and innovation.
Indore Declaration: The BRICS agriculture ministers adopted the joint declaration unanimously. It covers food security, farmer welfare, climate-resilient farming, trade and digital agriculture.
BRICS weight in agriculture: BRICS has nearly half the world's population, about 42% of global agricultural land and about 42% of global foodgrain output (as stated by the Minister).
Digital Agriculture Network: A BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will cover AI, geospatial technology and digital public infrastructure. IIT Delhi will coordinate it.
Agro-Ecology Centres of Excellence: A BRICS Network of Centres of Excellence on Agro-Ecology and Regenerative Agriculture was set up. India's centre is the Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram.
Seed forum and AgriN: A Global Forum on Farmers' Rights in Seed Systems and BRICS AgriN (Agro Inputs, Genetic Resources and Information Network) were announced.
Research platform: The existing BRICS Agricultural Research Platform is to be developed into a 'Knowledge-to-Action Hub'.

Don’t confuse with BRICS Summit vs BRICS Parliamentary Forum: The Summit is the leaders' executive-level meeting; the Parliamentary Forum is a meeting of legislature presiding officers and delegations.

Don’t confuse with Member vs partner countries: Members sign the declaration; partner countries are welcomed to take part in engagements but are a separate category.

Don’t confuse with BRICS tax track vs BRICS Summit: The Heads of Tax Authorities meeting is a sectoral track meeting under the Chair. The Summit is the leaders' annual meeting.

Don’t confuse with CBDT vs Department of Revenue: CBDT is a statutory body within the Department of Revenue. The Department sits in the Ministry of Finance.

Don’t confuse with New Development Bank vs Contingent Reserve Arrangement: The NDB funds infrastructure and sustainable development projects. The CRA is a liquidity backstop for members facing balance-of-payments pressure.

Don’t confuse with BRICS vs BRICS Plus/Partner countries: Members are the full BRICS grouping. Partner countries and Outreach/BRICS Plus invitees take part in engagements but are not full members.

Don’t confuse with BRICS vs New Development Bank: BRICS is the political-economic forum. The New Development Bank is its multilateral lender, headquartered in Shanghai.

Don’t confuse with BRICS Business Council vs BRICS Business Forum: The Business Council is a standing body of business leaders. The Business Forum is an event held during the Chairship.

Don’t confuse with Full member vs Partner Country: Full members (11) take part in the core structure. Partner countries such as Vietnam and Nigeria have a separate, structured engagement channel.

Don’t confuse with BRICS vs BIMSTEC: BIMSTEC is a Bay of Bengal regional grouping. It was invited to the 2016 Goa BRICS Outreach Summit but is a separate body.

Don’t confuse with IP BRICS vs WIPO: IP BRICS is a cooperation track among five or more member IP offices. WIPO is the UN agency that sets global IP rules and treaties.

Don’t confuse with Mission LiFE vs Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Mission LiFE promotes sustainable lifestyles and behaviour change. Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam is a tree-planting campaign. Both were cited as examples of public participation.

Don’t confuse with ILO vs ISSA: The International Labour Organisation is a UN specialised agency on labour standards. The International Social Security Association is a separate body of social security institutions.

Don’t confuse with BRICS vs BRICS+: BRICS refers to the core member grouping; 'BRICS+' is used for its wider outreach with partner and invited countries.

Don’t confuse with Ministerial Meeting vs Senior Officials' Meeting: Officials negotiate and finalise the text; ministers adopt it.

Don’t confuse with ISA vs GBA: The International Solar Alliance promotes solar energy. The Global Biofuels Alliance promotes biofuels. Both are India-backed bodies, and neither is a BRICS body.

Don’t confuse with NDB vs ERCP: The New Development Bank is the BRICS bank that finances projects. The Energy Research Cooperation Platform is a research and knowledge forum on energy.

Don’t confuse with Existing platform vs new networks: The Agricultural Research Platform is old and is being upgraded. The four networks and forums (agro-ecology centres, digital agriculture, seed rights forum, AgriN) are new.

Don’t confuse with Members vs partners: Delegates came from BRICS member and partner countries. Partner countries are not full members.

Why it matters

Parliamentary diplomacy adds a legislative layer to India's engagement with the Global South.
Shared positions on UN Security Council reform and terrorism, including the 22 April 2025 Pahalgam attack, support India's foreign policy goals.
Digital public infrastructure and AI cooperation let India share its technology model.
Parliamentary diplomacy adds a legislative layer to BRICS and helps turn summit commitments into laws and budgets.
It supports India's push to voice Global South concerns.
Permanent working groups let India shape BRICS positions on transfer pricing and tax data beyond its own year as Chair.
A common BRICS voice strengthens the Global South's say in global tax rules such as the UN tax convention talks.
Gives India a platform to push Global South concerns and UN Security Council reform.
Shows India's role in shaping multilateral rules through a non-Western-led grouping.
Gives the Global South a joint platform to push reform of the UN, IMF, World Bank and WTO.
Shows backing from China and Russia for India's UNSC aspirations.
Lets India shape agendas on health, digital public infrastructure, AI, disaster resilience and climate.
Gives India a platform to push for Global South priorities and a reformed multilateral trading system with the WTO at its core.
Supports India's export push in engineering goods, electronics and pharmaceuticals, and promotes UPI and digital public infrastructure abroad.
Gives India a platform to voice Global South concerns and push reform of the IMF, World Bank and WTO.
Chairing lets India set the agenda on practical cooperation such as digital public infrastructure, health, MSMEs and counter-terrorism.
The NDB and CRA offer alternatives to Western-led financing.
Shared IP cooperation helps members shape global IP standards and voice Global South concerns.
Work on GIs and traditional knowledge supports protection and commercialisation of such products in BRICS markets.
Lets India push Global South concerns on climate finance, adaptation and equity.
Shares India's community-based models such as Mission LiFE across emerging economies.
Shows India using its chair to push a Global South, people-centric labour agenda.
BRICS CONNECT moves cooperation from policy dialogue to practical capacity building.
Sectoral tracks like transport give India a chance to shape BRICS' agenda on sustainable infrastructure and logistics.
Cooperation on SAF and decarbonisation links trade and connectivity with climate goals.
Lets India push the Global South view that countries need policy space and their own energy pathways.
Showcases India's clean energy and biofuel leadership and builds cooperation on smart grids, storage and hydrogen.
Gives India agenda-setting power on food security and Global South farm concerns during its chairship.
Links research, digital tools and seed conservation to climate-resilient farming across a bloc with large farmland and foodgrain share.

Problems

Members hold different views, with several in tension (for example, over West Asia and sanctions), so declarations stay general and consensus-based.
Expanded membership dilutes cohesion and makes common positions harder.
Members differ in political systems and national priorities, so parliamentary outcomes stay non-binding and hard to turn into action.
Members differ in tax systems, capacity and geopolitical interests, which makes common positions hard.
BRICS outcomes are non-binding and depend on each chair's follow-through.
Members differ in interests and geopolitical positions, which makes consensus hard.
Expansion of membership can dilute focus and cohesion.
Consensus is hard in a larger BRICS with diverse and sometimes conflicting interests.
India and China differ on some issues, and a BRICS stance on de-dollarisation and sanctions can strain India's ties with the West.
Many outcomes are voluntary and non-binding, so follow-through is uneven.
Non-tariff measures and regulatory barriers raise export costs and limit intra-BRICS trade.
Members differ in size, interests and geopolitics, which makes consensus on common payment or currency mechanisms hard.
A larger, more diverse membership makes consensus harder, as members have differing interests and rivalries.
Divergent positions among members, for example India and China, limit common stands on issues like terrorism and UN reform.
Most cooperation is voluntary and non-binding, so delivery depends on follow-through.
Members differ in IP regimes and in priorities, such as public health access versus patent protection.
Backlogs and uneven examination capacity slow cooperation.
Outcome documents are consensual and non-binding, so implementation depends on members.
Members differ on climate finance, energy transition and emission priorities.
The Declaration is non-binding; social protection expansion is left to nationally determined levels.
Members differ widely in labour markets and capacity, making common standards hard.
Consensus-based declarations are often broad and non-binding.
Members differ in economic structure and priorities, which makes implementation uneven.
BRICS members differ in energy mix and interests, so outcomes are consensus-based and voluntary.
The new centre is voluntary and non-binding, so impact depends on member participation and funding.
BRICS declarations are non-binding, so implementation depends on members' will and funding.
Members differ on trade, subsidies and seed or intellectual property rules, which may slow the Grain Exchange and seed forum.

Way forward

Turn declarations into concrete work such as the digital public infrastructure repository and pilot projects.
Use the IPU and the 2027 Chinese chairship to carry forward Global South priorities, while managing differences through consensus.
Use legislatures' oversight and budget roles to track Joint Statement commitments, and share best practices among parliaments.
Continue the work through the working groups and hand over smoothly to China in 2027.
Use shared tools such as peer learning and the Support Network to build capacity in member tax administrations.
Focus on concrete, deliverable outcomes such as capacity building and the proposed seafarers network.
Build consensus on institutional reform through coordinated positions in the UN and other forums.
Turn declarations into funded, time-bound projects through the NDB and working groups.
Use the chairship to link BRICS positions with G20 and other fora for reform.
Keep a balanced stance, including local-currency payments without hurting multilateral ties.
Simplify regulatory procedures, speed up customs clearance and recognise professional qualifications.
Link payment systems step by step and expand local-currency settlement.
Strengthen institutional mechanisms and turn declarations into funded, time-bound projects.
Settle a clear rotation formula and criteria for members and partners.
Use the Chairship to build consensus on reformed multilateralism and local-currency trade.
Use patent examination cooperation and shared search results to cut backlogs.
Review projects periodically so cooperation continues across chairships.
Turn principles into funded joint projects, training and technology exchange.
Track delivery through the knowledge network and the next chair's agenda.
Turn BRICS CONNECT into funded, time-bound programmes with measurable outcomes.
Extend the occupation classification pilot and share India's digital platforms such as e-Shram with partners.
Convert declaration themes into funded joint projects, such as the Railway Research Network.
Ensure continuity by handing over initiatives to the next chair with clear timelines.
Turn the guiding principles into pilot projects and shared standards.
Use the NDB and other bodies for affordable financing of clean energy in developing economies.
Set timelines, funding and national focal institutions for each network.
Link the networks to existing national schemes and farmer groups so that research reaches small farmers.

Put in your answer

Counter-terrorism stance: The declaration condemns the 22 April 2025 attack in Jammu and Kashmir and calls for zero tolerance and no double standards.

UN reform: Members support comprehensive UN reform, including the Security Council, to make it more representative.

Digital public infrastructure: A proposal to launch a DPI repository and pilot projects for BRICS countries was noted.

Institutional continuity: India-led working groups and an annual training programme show how a chair can leave lasting mechanisms in BRICS.

Global South rule-shaper: The PM said BRICS can train young diplomats and policymakers from the Global South in negotiation skills and legal expertise, so they move from rule-taker to rule-shaper.

Partnership, not privilege: The PM urged turning the pyramid of privilege into a platform of partnership in global governance.

Terrorism stand: The Declaration condemns the 22 April 2025 terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir, which killed 26 people, and rejects double standards on terrorism.

IMF quota reform: BRICS urged the 16th General Review of Quotas increases to take effect and quota realignment under the 17th review.

Opposition to unilateral sanctions and CBAM: BRICS opposes unilateral measures such as carbon border adjustment mechanisms.

Non-tariff barriers: Non-tariff measures impose higher export costs than tariffs for 88 per cent of countries. Useful to argue for regulatory simplification.

IP BRICS projects: New projects include an IP Awareness Series, a FinTech Innovation Monitor and a Industrial Property Commercialisation Forum, plus work on IP policies for public health.

India's new NDC: India's new Nationally Determined Contribution for 2031-2035 was cited as combining climate action with inclusive development and energy security.

Mission LiFE and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam: Cited as examples of combining ecological restoration, public participation and community ownership.

Labour Codes: India merged 29 labour laws into four Labour Codes in November 2025, cited as a worker-centric reform.

e-Shram: The portal gives unique identification and benefit access to over 317 million registered unorganised workers.

BRICS Transport Declaration 2026: Example of India using its chairship to push sustainable transport themes such as SAF, decarbonisation and logistics.

India's solar growth: Solar capacity rose from about 3 GW in 2014 to over 154 GW, per the Power Minister.

India's energy targets: India aims for over 400 GWh of energy storage by 2032 and 100 GW of nuclear capacity by 2047.

BRICS share of agriculture: About 42% of global farmland and foodgrain production, and nearly half the world's population, as stated by the Minister.

Seed rights forum: The Global Forum on Farmers' Rights in Seed Systems focuses on protecting farmers' seed rights and indigenous seed diversity.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 28

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

1.BRICS cooperation rests on four pillars, including a separate defence pillar.
2.India hosted the 18th BRICS Summit in September 2026.
3.Russia is to chair BRICS in 2027.
4.The declaration takes note of a proposal to set up a BRICS Plus geopolitical group within the Inter-Parliamentary Union, put forward by India.
5.The BRICS Counter-Terrorism Working Group operates through five subgroups.
6.The BRICS chair rotates every five years.
7.The XVIII BRICS Summit was held in New Delhi in September 2026.
8.The Declaration says BRICS cooperation rests on two pillars: political and security, and economic and financial.
9.China and Russia reiterated support for Brazil's and India's aspirations to play a greater role in the UN, including its Security Council.
10.India will chair BRICS in 2027 and host the XIX Summit.
11.BRICS called for restoring a two-tier binding WTO dispute settlement mechanism and appointing new Appellate Body members.
12.The Declaration supports Ethiopia's and Iran's bid for accession to the WTO.
13.The Declaration welcomes India's Chairship of the Kimberley Process in 2026.
14.The New Development Bank is headquartered in New Delhi.
15.The BRICS Presidency rotates annually according to the alphabetical order of member countries' names.
16.Indonesia joined as the eleventh full member of BRICS in January 2025.
17.The Partner Country category gives partner countries full membership rights in BRICS.
18.The acronym 'BRIC' was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs.
19.The New Development Bank has its headquarters in New Delhi.
20.The Contingent Reserve Arrangement is meant to give short-term liquidity support to members facing financial instability.
21.The 13th BRICS Summit, hosted by India in 2021, was held in person in New Delhi.
22.The Indore Declaration was adopted unanimously by the BRICS agriculture ministers.
23.The BRICS Network on Digital Agriculture will be coordinated by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research headquarters in New Delhi.
24.The Indian Institute of Farming Systems Research, Modipuram, is India's Centre of Excellence under the new BRICS agro-ecology network.
25.BRICS countries together hold about 42 per cent of global agricultural land, according to the Union Minister.
26.The BRICS Agricultural Research Platform was newly created at the Indore meeting.
27.The chair of BRICS rotates every year and sets the agenda for that year.
28.The BRICS Grain Exchange was formally established at the Indore meeting.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Power, 25 Jun, 15:19 IST · Release 290486

Issue page →

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

Scheme

SHATAYU Dashboard for Geriatric Caregivers

GS2 Welfare schemes for senior citizensPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026 the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment said it is fixing technical glitches in the SHATAYU dashboard, launched on 22 May 2026, and asked citizens not to trust misleading social media posts about it.
What it is: SHATAYU (Senior Holistic Care Assistance and Training for Your Utility) is an online dashboard where trained geriatric caregivers register to offer services to senior citizens who need them. It is run by the National Institute of Social Defence under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. It links the supply of trained caregivers with elderly people who need care.

Purpose: Trained geriatric caregivers register on it to provide services to needy senior citizens.
Managing body: The National Institute of Social Defence, an autonomous body of the Ministry, manages it and is also mandated to train geriatric caregivers.
Self-registration: Caregivers trained in 2023-24 and earlier years were also allowed to self-register to build up the database.
Clustering of trainees: Trainee enrolment depends on where the training centre is, so many trainees come from one district, city or town.

Don’t confuse with SHATAYU vs NISD: SHATAYU is the caregiver dashboard. NISD is the autonomous body that manages it and trains caregivers.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: New welfare platform managed by NISD, but a minor portal; schemes are 16% of Prelims, yet few facts to test.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 25 Jun, 15:32 IST · Release 290488

Issue page →

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

Report or index

PAIMANA Portal for Infrastructure Project Monitoring

GS3 InfrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026, MoSPI released its May 2026 Flash Report. PAIMANA now tracks 1,987 Central Sector infrastructure projects worth ₹42.50 lakh crore.
What it is: PAIMANA is a web portal run by MoSPI to monitor Central Sector infrastructure projects costing ₹150 crore and above. It works on a 'one data, one entry' principle and is linked by APIs to DPIIT's IPMP portal. MoSPI publishes a monthly Flash Report from its data.

Who runs it: PAIMANA is a centralised portal of MoSPI for projects of ₹150 crore and above.
How data is entered: It follows 'one data, one entry' and links to DPIIT's IPMP portal through APIs, which auto-update over 70% of project data.
Scale in May 2026: 1,987 ongoing projects, revised cost ₹42.50 lakh crore, are tracked across 17 Central Ministries/Departments.
Spending: Cumulative spending is ₹21.82 lakh crore, about 51.34% of revised cost.
Top ministry: Road Transport & Highways has the most projects: 1,149 (58%), costing ₹10.95 lakh crore.
Top sector: Transport & Logistics (DEA Harmonized Master List) has 1,476 projects and 55% of revised cost.

Don’t confuse with PAIMANA vs IPMP: PAIMANA is MoSPI's monitoring portal; IPMP is DPIIT's portal that feeds it data through APIs.

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

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Monitoring platform for central projects of Rs 150 crore and above; routine data release, low chance of a question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, 25 Jun, 16:00 IST · Release 290489

Issue page →

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

Economy

Indian Railways Wagon Design Policy

GS3 Infrastructure, railways and freightPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reviewed wagon reforms and directed that a new Wagon Design Policy be finalised within 15 days. It will let industries propose commodity-specific wagon designs.
What it is: The Wagon Design Policy sets the rules under which freight wagon designs are proposed, approved and tested for use on Indian Railways. The proposed reform opens design to industries, so wagons can match the handling needs of particular commodities. The aim is to win more freight from road and cut logistics costs.

Who designs: Industries will be allowed to design wagons to their own requirements and propose design changes.
Safety responsibility: RDSO and the Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS) will be responsible for wagon safety.
Existing specialised wagons: Recently developed specialised wagons for cement and salt are cited as proof that commodity-specific designs work.
Green claim: The release says rail is about 90 percent more environmentally friendly than road transport.
RDSO: RDSO is the Research Designs and Standards Organisation, the research and standards body of Indian Railways, based in Lucknow.

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: Policy still to be issued within 15 days; few firm facts yet.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Railways, 25 Jun, 16:03 IST · Release 290495

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Export Promotion Mission (EPM)

GS3 Economy, external sectorPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 24 June 2026, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal chaired a review with Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies on progress under the Export Promotion Mission. Ten interventions are rolled out and a 90-day District Export Hubs drive is under way.
What it is: The Export Promotion Mission (EPM) is a Commerce Ministry mission that bundles financial and non-financial support for exporters into one framework. It is run through DGFT with Export Promotion Councils and industry bodies as partners. It covers areas such as export credit, factoring, warehousing and logistics, certification, trade intelligence and market access.

Rollout status: Ten EPM interventions are already rolled out. The branding component is still under stakeholder consultation.
Interest subvention: After industry feedback, interest subvention was extended to small and micro exporters on identified tariff lines.
Committee schedule: The Norms Committee, Policy Relaxation Committee, EPCG Committee and Exim Facilitation Committees will meet fortnightly. The SCOMET inter-ministerial group meets monthly.
District Export Hubs drive: A 90-day activation drive for District Export Hubs began on 1 June 2026, using District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans.
Implementing agency: DGFT, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is the main agency for foreign trade policy and facilitation.
EPM period: The Export Promotion Mission is approved for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, aimed at export competitiveness, especially for MSMEs.
RELIEF outlay: RELIEF has a financial outlay of Rs 497 crore under EPM, to support exporters amid West Asia logistics disruptions.
Cover for already insured consignments: Exporters with ECGC cover for eligible consignments get up to 100% risk coverage over and above existing cover, for 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Support for upcoming consignments: For 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, exporters are encouraged to take ECGC cover, with Government support for up to 95% risk coverage over existing cover.
Reimbursement for non-insured MSMEs: Eligible MSME exporters without ECGC insurance get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of freight and insurance surcharge burden, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Two sub-schemes: EPM has NIRYAT PROTSAHAN for trade finance (interest subvention, factoring, collateral guarantees) and NIRYAT DISHA for other enablers (quality, branding, market access, logistics, trade intelligence).
Nodal agency: ECGC Ltd, wholly owned by the Government of India under the Commerce Ministry, verifies claims, pays out and monitors RELIEF.
Outlay: RELIEF has an approved outlay of Rs 497 crore, funded under EPM.
Cover for existing ECGC policyholders: Exporters with ECGC cover get up to 100% extra risk coverage for consignments from 14 Feb to 15 Mar 2026.
Cover for future shipments: For consignments from 16 Mar to 15 Jun 2026, government support covers up to 95% risk coverage over existing ECGC cover.
MSME reimbursement: Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get up to 50% partial reimbursement of freight and insurance surcharges, capped at Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
Review: The EPM Steering Committee will review RELIEF periodically and may modify, continue or withdraw it.
Approval and outlay: The Government approved EPM in November 2025. Its outlay is ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31.
LIFT: LIFT supports hinterland exporters on transport costs. It covers up to 30% of the cost, capped at ₹20 lakh per exporter per year.
Two verticals: EPM combines financial support under Niryat Protsahan with trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha, in a digitally monitored framework.
TRACE: Reimburses 60% (Positive List) or 75% (Priority Positive List) of testing, inspection and certification costs, up to ₹25 lakh per IEC a year.
Status: With this launch, 10 of the 11 proposed EPM interventions are operational.
Implementing ministries: Jointly implemented by the Department of Commerce, Ministry of MSME and Ministry of Finance.
Collateral guarantee: Offered with CGTMSE: cover up to 85% for Micro and Small exporters, 65% for Medium, with max guaranteed exposure of ₹10 crore per exporter per year.

Don’t confuse with EPC vs DGFT: Export Promotion Councils are industry-facing bodies of exporters that promote specific sectors. DGFT is the government office that administers foreign trade policy.

Don’t confuse with EPCG vs EPC: EPCG is the Export Promotion Capital Goods scheme allowing concessional duty on capital goods imports. EPC is a Council of exporters.

Don’t confuse with NIRYAT PROTSAHAN vs NIRYAT DISHA: PROTSAHAN deals with trade finance; DISHA covers non-financial enablers such as compliance, branding, market access, logistics and trade intelligence.

Don’t confuse with ECGC cover vs RELIEF support: ECGC is the credit insurer; RELIEF is a Government intervention that adds cover on top of ECGC's existing cover or reimburses costs for uninsured MSMEs.

Don’t confuse with ECGC vs EXIM Bank: ECGC insures exporters against non-payment and political risk. EXIM Bank is a financial institution that lends for trade.

Don’t confuse with RELIEF vs EPM: EPM is the umbrella mission. RELIEF is one time-bound intervention under it.

Don’t confuse with EPM vs earlier schemes: EPM replaces earlier schemes such as the Interest Equalisation Scheme and the Market Access Initiative, whose arrears are being cleared under it.

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

Brings exporter support schemes under one mission, helping use of FTA market access.
District-level hubs can bring new exporters and local products such as GI goods into exports.
Cushions exporters, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance cost shocks.
Sustains shipment flows and exporter confidence during logistics uncertainty.
Cushions exporters and jobs, especially MSMEs, from conflict-driven freight and insurance costs.
Shows EPM can be used flexibly for quick response to external shocks.
Using ECGC's existing machinery lets support reach exporters fast.
Merges scattered export aid into one framework, reducing fragmentation for MSME exporters.
Eases credit, compliance and logistics costs, which can help competitiveness and market diversification.
Lowers the cost of capital and widens trade finance options for MSMEs.
Helps MSMEs meet international standards and cut logistics disadvantages, supporting broad-based export growth.
Lowers the cost of export credit and eases working capital for MSME exporters.
Improves bank lending to export-oriented MSMEs and supports market diversification and global value chain integration.

Problems

Low uptake of schemes by exporters, especially small ones, needs outreach and handholding.
Pendency and delays in facilitation committees hurt predictability for exporters.
Support is time-bound and conditional on documentary verification and ceilings, so smaller exporters may face compliance burden.
Exporters outside the eligible windows or without ECGC cover (non-MSME) get limited relief.
Fiscal cost is open-ended if the disruption lasts beyond the support window.
Documentary verification and claim processing may delay MSMEs' relief.
Only ECGC-linked or MSME exporters are covered, so other exporters stay exposed to higher costs.
Many separate interventions with caps and eligibility lists may be hard for small exporters to navigate.
Early uptake is low for some components, such as about 60 exporters for collateral support since January 2026.
MSMEs may find it hard to access schemes and claim reimbursements, and many lack awareness of them.
Caps on assistance per IEC or MSME may limit impact, and export growth also depends on global demand and trade barriers.
Caps (₹50 lakh per IEC) and a positive list may limit reach; the pilot depends on RBI and CGTMSE guidelines.
Banks' risk aversion and operational readiness can delay uptake, especially for emerging-market incentives.

Way forward

Run focused outreach with banks and Export Promotion Councils, and track measurable outcomes.
Use FTAs to target new markets and products, with district action plans.
Speed up claim verification and disbursal through digital processes.
Diversify routes and markets, and build lasting logistics resilience beyond one-off relief.
Keep real-time dashboard tracking and review the scheme as conditions change.
Widen ECGC coverage among MSMEs and diversify routes and markets to cut dependence on chokepoints.
Simplify applications on the digital portals and spread awareness among first-time exporters.
Track uptake and release funds on time, including arrears under older schemes.
Keep the digital claim process simple and time-bound, and run outreach through EPCs and district export hubs.
Review outcomes regularly and link support to FTA market opportunities.
Use pilot feedback and data to refine rates, caps and the positive list, with bi-annual reviews.
Pair finance support with NIRYAT DISHA measures on compliance, logistics and market access.

Put in your answer

District Export Hubs: Example of last-mile export promotion: District Export Promotion Committees and District Export Action Plans identify products and districts with export potential.

EPM structure: Cite EPM's two sub-schemes, NIRYAT PROTSAHAN (trade finance) and NIRYAT DISHA (trade enablers), as an example of integrated export support.

RELIEF under EPM: A targeted, time-bound intervention with Rs 497 crore to offset war-related freight and insurance costs.

EPM outlay: ₹25,060 crore for FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, with a focus on MSMEs.

Interest subvention rate: Interest subvention of 2.75%, up to ₹50 lakh, on pre- and post-shipment export credit for MSMEs.

Cost of capital and compliance: The new interventions aim to address MSME constraints: high cost of capital, limited trade finance instruments, compliance burdens, logistics disadvantages and market entry barriers.

FTA reach: Nine concluded FTAs give access to nearly 70% of global GDP and two-thirds of global trade, as stated by the Minister.

Mission outlay: ₹25,060 crore over FY 2025-26 to FY 2030-31, focused on MSMEs, first-time exporters and labour-intensive sectors.

Guarantee design: Cover of 85% for Micro and Small and 65% for Medium exporters, up to ₹10 crore exposure per exporter.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 19

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

1.ECGC Ltd has been designated the nodal agency for implementing RELIEF.
2.RELIEF is funded separately from the Export Promotion Mission through a standalone allocation.
3.For existing ECGC policyholders, RELIEF offers up to 100% additional risk coverage for consignments in the period 14 February to 15 March 2026.
4.Non-ECGC-insured MSME exporters can get partial reimbursement of up to 50% of surcharge burdens, subject to a ceiling of Rs 50 lakh per exporter.
5.ECGC provides export credit insurance against commercial and political risks.
6.RELIEF is a permanent scheme with no provision for withdrawal.
7.Under the Export Promotion Mission, financial enablers are grouped under Niryat Protsahan and trade ecosystem support under Niryat Disha.
8.The export factoring intervention offers an interest subvention of 2.75% on factoring cost.
9.TRACE reimburses a higher share of testing and certification costs for items on the Priority Positive List than on the Positive List.
10.LIFT is meant to reduce the geographical disadvantage of exporters in districts with high export intensity.
11.INSIGHT can provide up to 100% support for proposals from Central and State Government institutions and Indian Missions abroad.
12.All 11 proposed interventions under the Export Promotion Mission are now operational.
13.The Export Promotion Mission was approved by the Union Cabinet in November 2025.
14.The Mission is implemented solely by the Department of Commerce.
15.NIRYAT DISHA focuses on access to affordable trade finance, while NIRYAT PROTSAHAN supports non-financial enablers such as branding and logistics.
16.The base interest subvention on pre- and post-shipment rupee export credit is 2.75 per cent.
17.The interest subvention applies to all tariff lines without restriction.
18.The collateral guarantee for export credit is being introduced in partnership with CGTMSE.
19.Guarantee coverage is up to 65 per cent for Micro and Small exporters and up to 85 per cent for Medium exporters.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 25 Jun, 17:03 IST · Release 290500

Issue page →

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

Economy

LPG Supply Restrictions under Essential Commodities Act during West Asia Crisis

GS3 Energy and economyGS2 Essential Commodities ActPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 25 June 2026 the Petroleum Ministry removed all sectoral limits on non-domestic packed LPG and restored supply to pre-West Asia crisis levels. It also eased the diversion of C3/C4 streams to LPG and relaxed bulk LPG supply to 50% of pre-crisis use.
What it is: The Essential Commodities Act, 1955 lets the Centre control production, supply and distribution of listed goods in the public interest. During the West Asia crisis it was used to direct C3-C4 refinery and petrochemical streams into LPG production and to restrict commercial LPG. These steps protected household LPG supply.

Non-domestic packed LPG: All sectoral restrictions were removed and supply returned to pre-crisis levels.
Bulk LPG: Bulk LPG, suspended at the start of the crisis, is now allowed at 50% of pre-crisis consumption.
Legal basis: Orders under the Essential Commodities Act required C3-C4 streams to be used only for LPG, diverting them from petrochemicals.
Production floor: Even with more C3/C4 for non-LPG uses, indigenous LPG production must stay at no less than 40 TMT per day.
Role of CHT: The Centre of High Technology will issue organisation-wise allocation of the C3/C4 streams and report to the Ministry.
PNG shift: Consumers already on PNG stay on PNG; eligible others with network access will be moved progressively with CGD entities.

Don’t confuse with LPG vs PNG: LPG is supplied in cylinders or bulk tanks; PNG is piped natural gas supplied through city gas networks run by CGD entities.

Don’t confuse with Domestic vs non-domestic LPG: Domestic LPG goes to households and had top priority; non-domestic (commercial and industrial) LPG was the one restricted.

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: Restrictions withdrawn after crisis; topical energy security issue but facts are fresh and procedural.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, 25 Jun, 18:39 IST · Release 290514

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

Amazon CEO Andy Jassy met the PM; the PM welcomed Amazon's record $48 billion investment in India.
DoT activated Intra-Circle Roaming in four Arunachal Pradesh districts after cloudbursts and landslides damaged telecom networks.

Source: PIB, 25 Jun

What we left out: 41 of 55 releases

Speeches without a decision (4)
Condolence messages (2)
Visit schedules (1)
Review meetings (3)
General feature articles (1)
Routine MoUs (1)
Same issue as another release (4)
Routine application invitations (1)
Exam results lists (1)
Ceremonies and campaigns (10)
Routine export consignments (2)
Webinars and interactions (2)
Routine data (3)
Book releases and ceremonies (1)
Routine drives (1)
Routine deadline extensions (1)
Courtesy meetings (2)
Other releases (1)

Practise the day’s news

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

1Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010MCQ · 11 true or false · Mains
2Telecommunications Act, 2023 and Authorisation RulesMCQ · 6 true or false · Mains
3Drugs Rules, 1945 and Schedule H2 QR Code Track and TraceMCQ · 6 true or false
4Scheme to Promote Manufacturing of Sintered Rare Earth Permanent Magnets (REPM)MCQ · 11 true or false
5Netra Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) SystemMCQ · 6 true or false
6BRICS and India's 2026 ChairshipMCQ · 28 true or false · Mains
7Export Promotion Mission (EPM)MCQ · 19 true or false · Mains

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Health Ministry has notified amendments to the Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, replacing 'fine' with 'penalty' and shifting enforcement from criminal prosecution to administrative adjudication. Examine the provisions of this approach to decriminalisation. Discuss its benefits for ease of doing business and the concerns it raises for patient safety and regulatory accountability in healthcare.

From: Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act and Clinical Establishments Act, 2010

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