UPSC current affairs · Wednesday

Current Affairs, 29 July 2026

12 issues picked from 116 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

Left Wing Extremism in India. Home Ministry says India is free of Left Wing Extremism; no district is LWE affected.
Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. Lok Sabha passes bill raising penalties and creating fast-track courts for exam malpractice.
PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme. PM Vidyalaxmi gives collateral-free education loans and interest subvention for top-ranked institutions; 1,425 institutions covered.
Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base Year Revision. CPI base year moved to 2024=100 with bigger basket, more markets, online prices.
NavIC (IRNSS) Constellation. NavIC down to three satellites; no standalone positioning, only timing; NVS-03 ready for launch.
Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act. Government restates 100 GW nuclear target by 2047; PFBR critical, SHANTI Act rules awaited.
Coal Exchanges in India. Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 make the Coal Controller Organisation regulator of online coal trading platforms.
PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India). 13,092 schools selected under PM SHRI; States not signing the MoU miss benefits.
NIPUN Bharat Mission. NIPUN Bharat targets foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 2 through Samagra Shiksha, with play-based tools.
CORSIA and Sustainable Aviation Fuel. India reviews SAF production and carbon accounting readiness before CORSIA's mandatory phase starts in January 2027.
National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and Digital India. CSCs grew six-fold since 2014 as NeGP, now under Digital India, reaches villages.
Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) and CCTNS. MHA lists CCTNS, ICJS and linked digital tools that connect police, courts, prisons and forensics.

In the news

Left Wing Extremism in India

GS3 Internal securityGS2 GovernancePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the Home Ministry told the Rajya Sabha that no district is now categorised as LWE affected, after Naxal-affected districts fell from 126 to zero by March/April 2026.
What it is: Left Wing Extremism (Naxalism) is a Maoist armed movement that began in the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal. It sought power through armed revolution and fed on tribal alienation and poor state presence in forest areas. India countered it with security operations, special infrastructure and road schemes, surrender and rehabilitation policy, and tribal welfare.

Origin: LWE grew out of the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal, inspired by Maoist ideology.
CPI (Maoist): Several extremist groups merged into CPI (Maoist) in 2004.
National Policy and Action Plan: Approved in 2015 as a whole-of-government framework replacing the ad hoc approach.
Three-pronged strategy: The approach rested on Dialogue, Security and Coordination, under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Affected districts: LWE-affected districts fell from 126 in 2014 to zero by March-April 2026.
Road schemes: 15,189 km of roads were built under the Road Requirement Plan and the Road Connectivity Project for LWE Affected Areas.
Constitutional basis: Police and Public Order are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule. The Centre only supplements State efforts.
Jan Suvidha Kendras: One-third of security camps in LWE-free areas are being converted into service centres; the first is at Netanar, Jagdalpur, Chhattisgarh.

Don’t confuse with Security Related Expenditure vs Special Infrastructure Scheme: SRE reimburses operational costs, training, surrender rehabilitation and ex gratia. SIS funds police infrastructure such as Fortified Police Stations and special forces.

Don’t confuse with Road Requirement Plan vs RCPLWEA: Both are LWE-specific road schemes; the release counts the combined 15,189 km under the two.

Don’t confuse with SRE vs SIS vs ACALWEMS: SRE funds operations, training and rehabilitation. SIS builds State special forces, intelligence and fortified police stations. ACALWEMS funds camps and helicopters for central agencies.

Don’t confuse with SCA vs SIS: Special Central Assistance fills public infrastructure gaps in LWE districts. The Special Infrastructure Scheme strengthens police and security.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 11

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

1.The Naxalite movement originated in the Naxalbari uprising of 1967 in West Bengal.
2.The National Policy and Action Plan to address LWE was approved in 2015.
3.The government's three-pronged strategy against LWE comprised Dialogue, Security and Coordination.
4.The number of LWE-affected districts fell from 126 in 2014 to zero by March-April 2026.
5.The Special Infrastructure Scheme under the LWE policy funds Special Forces, Special Intelligence Branches and Fortified Police Stations in affected States.
6.A dedicated vertical to disrupt Naxal financing was set up within the Enforcement Directorate.
7.The number of LWE-affected districts stood at 38 in April 2024 and fell to 70 by December 2025.
8.Districts categorised as 'Legacy & Thrust' are still classed as LWE affected and receive security support.
9.The Centre reimburses States for rehabilitation of surrendered LWE cadres under the Security Related Expenditure scheme.
10.Under the surrender policy, higher-ranked cadres receive an immediate grant of Rs 2.5 lakh and other cadres Rs 5 lakh.
11.The Special Infrastructure Scheme is a sub-scheme of the Modernization of Police Forces scheme.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 29 Jul, 15:41 IST · Release 292179

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

GS2 Polity and GovernanceGS4 IntegrityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026 the Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 by voice vote. It raises penalties and sets up fast-track courts for exam offences.
What it is: The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 is India's first dedicated central law against paper leaks, impersonation and organised cheating in national public examinations. It covers bodies such as UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS and NTA. Its offences are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.

Special Task Force: The Centre can now set up a Special Task Force to investigate a case. Once set up, it alone investigates that case.
Investigation deadline: Any investigating agency must finish the investigation within two months. This is the first time a time limit is set.
Special Fast Track Courts: Each State and UT must designate a Court of Session as a Special Fast Track Court, in consultation with the High Court Chief Justice. Trial must end within 3 months of the chargesheet.
Coverage: The 2024 Act covers exams by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS and NTA (for higher education admissions).
Offence status: Offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.
Service providers: Maximum fine rises from ₹1 crore to ₹5 crore and debarment from conducting public exams from four to eight years.
Procedure: Special Fast Track Courts, investigation within two months, trial within three months of charge sheet, Special Public Prosecutors, and an optional Special Task Force.
Enactment and force: The Act was enacted on 12 February 2024 and came into force on 21 June 2024.
Nature of offences: All offences are cognizable, non-bailable and non-compoundable.

Don’t confuse with Special Fast Track Court vs Special Task Force: The court is a designated Court of Session that tries cases. The Task Force is a Centre-notified body that investigates.

Don’t confuse with 2024 Act vs 2026 Bill: The 2024 Act is law. The 2026 Bill is only introduced in the Lok Sabha and is not yet law.

Don’t confuse with Amendment Bill vs Act: The 2024 Act is in force. The 2026 Bill has passed the Lok Sabha only and still needs Rajya Sabha passage and assent.

Don’t confuse with Fine amounts: Maximum fine: ₹50 lakh for individuals, ₹5 crore for service providers and their senior management, ₹10 crore for organised crime.

Don’t confuse with Act of 2024 vs Amendment Bill of 2026: The 2024 Act is the existing law. The 2026 Bill only proposes changes such as higher penalties and new Sections 12A and 12B; it is not yet law.

Don’t confuse with Organised crime penalty vs individual penalty: Individuals face 5-10 years under the Bill; organised exam crimes face a minimum of 7 years, up to 10, with fines up to ₹10 crore.

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

Deters paper-leak rackets through much higher penalties and personal liability for service-provider management.
Time-bound investigation and trial can restore candidates' trust in recruitment exams.
Tougher penalties and faster trials aim to deter organised paper-leak networks.
Protects fairness for millions of job and admission aspirants and public trust in recruitment.
Strengthens deterrence against paper leaks and protects the interests of meritorious candidates.
Time-bound investigation, trial and appeal can restore public trust in recruitment.

Problems

Courts already carry heavy backlogs, so day-to-day trials within 3 months need judges, prosecutors and infrastructure.
Harsher penalties alone may not stop leaks without better exam security, technology and audits; a 2-month probe deadline may strain police capacity.
Harsh penalties may fall on low-level staff or candidates while organisers escape.
Fast-track courts and special prosecutors need staff and resources; delays may persist.
Leaks often stem from weak exam logistics and outsourcing, which penalties alone do not fix.
Heavier penalties alone may not deter leaks if enforcement and exam-system security remain weak.
Fixed timelines may strain police, prosecutors and courts already facing heavy case loads.
Harsh provisions risk misuse against candidates or low-level staff rather than organised networks.

Way forward

Resource the Special Fast Track Courts and Special Public Prosecutors in every State and UT.
Pair deterrence with secure exam systems such as digital, encrypted paper delivery and regular audits of service providers.
Strengthen exam security, such as digital and tamper-proof systems, and audit service providers.
Resource the fast-track courts and train investigators, ensuring safeguards against misuse.
Strengthen exam security, such as digital and tamper-proof paper handling, and audit service providers.
Create adequate Special Fast Track Courts, prosecutors and a trained Special Task Force.
Safeguard against misuse by targeting organised networks and ensuring fair procedure.

Put in your answer

Court timelines: Pending cases transfer to the new courts and must finish within 3 months of transfer, with trials of connected BNS charges held together.

Enforcement under 2024 Act: 52 FIRs have been registered under the 2024 Act, as stated in Parliament.

High-level task force: A high-level expert task force was announced to make the exam system leak-proof.

Special Task Force: The Bill empowers the Centre to refer investigation of offences to a Special Task Force.

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 15

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

1.The Bill allows the Central Government to set up a Special Task Force to investigate exam-fraud cases.
2.The Bill requires investigation to be completed within six months.
3.Special Fast Track Courts must complete a trial within 3 months of the chargesheet being filed.
4.Under the Bill, appeals against Special Fast Track Court judgments lie to the Supreme Court directly.
5.No appeal can be filed after 90 days of the order, even if the High Court finds good reason for delay.
6.The debarment period for service providers from conducting public examinations is increased from four to eight years.
7.The Bill requires investigation to be completed within three months and trial within two months of filing of the charge sheet.
8.The Bill empowers the Government to constitute a Special Task Force for investigating offences under the Act.
9.The 2024 Act covers examinations conducted by UPSC, SSC, RRBs, IBPS and the NTA for higher education admissions.
10.The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024 came into force on 21 June 2024.
11.The Act applies to examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency and the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection.
12.Offences under the Act are cognizable and bailable but non-compoundable.
13.The Bill proposes to extend the debarment of service providers from conducting public examinations from four years to ten years.
14.The Bill proposes that investigation of offences be completed within two months and trial within three months of filing the charge sheet.
15.Under the proposed Section 12B, appeals against Special Fast Track Court orders lie to the Supreme Court within sixty days.

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

Source: PIB, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 29 Jul, 18:02 IST · Release 292242

Issue page →

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

Scheme

PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme

GS2 EducationGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, PIB published a explainer on the PM Vidyalaxmi Scheme, giving coverage, loan terms and FY 2025-26 application and sanction numbers.
What it is: PM Vidyalaxmi is a Union Education Ministry scheme approved by the Cabinet in November 2024. It gives collateral-free, guarantor-free education loans to students admitted on merit to designated Quality Higher Educational Institutions. It follows the National Education Policy 2020 and works through a single digital portal.

Approval: The Union Cabinet approved the scheme on 6 November 2024.
Credit guarantee: The Government of India gives a 75% credit guarantee on loans up to ₹7.5 lakh.
Interest rate cap: Loan interest is capped at the bank's EBLR plus 0.5%.

Don’t confuse with PM-USP CSIS vs PM-Vidyalaxmi: CSIS gives full subvention in the moratorium for technical/professional courses, family income up to ₹4.5 lakh, with no slot limit. PM-Vidyalaxmi gives 3% for all courses at designated institutions, income up to ₹8 lakh, one lakh slots a year.

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB Headquarters, 29 Jul, 13:34 IST · Release 292153

Issue page →

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

Economy

Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base Year Revision

GS3 EconomyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the MoSPI told the Lok Sabha that CPI's base year was revised from 2012=100 to 2024=100. The new series was released on 12 February 2026 and widens the basket and market coverage.
What it is: The Consumer Price Index measures the change in retail prices of a fixed basket of goods and services bought by households. MoSPI compiles it and uses a base year to set the index at 100. The base is revised from time to time so that the basket and weights reflect current consumption patterns.

Basket size: Weighted items rose from 299 to 358: goods from 259 to 308 and services from 40 to 50.
Weights source: Item basket and weights are based on the Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2023-24.
Compiling agency: CPI is compiled and released by MoSPI (National Statistics Office).

Don’t confuse with CPI vs WPI: CPI tracks retail prices paid by consumers and is compiled by MoSPI. WPI tracks wholesale prices and is compiled by the Office of the Economic Adviser, DPIIT.

Don’t confuse with CPI (Combined) vs CPI-IW: CPI Combined covers rural and urban households and is compiled by MoSPI. CPI-IW covers industrial workers and is compiled by the Labour Bureau.

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation, 29 Jul, 15:57 IST · Release 292184

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

NavIC (IRNSS) Constellation

GS3 Space technologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the Government told the Lok Sabha that NavIC has only three working satellites after IRNSS-1F completed its 10-year life, so it cannot give standalone positioning.
What it is: NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation), earlier called IRNSS, is India's regional satellite navigation system built by ISRO. It gives Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) services over India and about 1,500 km around it. The first-generation satellites are IRNSS-1 series, and the newer NVS series is meant to replace and extend them.

Current strength: Three satellites now give PNT services: IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1I and NVS-01.
Minimum for positioning: At least four operational satellites are needed for basic positioning service.
Service status: Standalone positioning is not possible now, but the timing service works.
Next launches: NVS-03 is ready for launch; NVS-04 and NVS-05 are in advanced stage of realization.
Coverage: NavIC covers India and a region extending about 1,500 km beyond its borders.

Don’t confuse with NavIC vs GPS: GPS is a US global system; NavIC is India's regional system with its own satellites.

Don’t confuse with IRNSS vs NVS series: IRNSS-1 are first-generation satellites; NVS are the newer replacements, with NVS-01 already in the working set.

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Department of Space, 29 Jul, 16:06 IST · Release 292192

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act

GS3 Energy - Nuclear PowerGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, in a written Lok Sabha reply, the Atomic Energy minister set out progress on the Nuclear Energy Mission, including the 100 GW by 2047 target, SHANTI Act and PFBR criticality.
What it is: India's nuclear programme is run by the Department of Atomic Energy, with NPCIL operating power reactors and AERB as the regulator. Its power plants mostly use indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors. The Nuclear Energy Mission for Viksit Bharat and the SHANTI Act, 2025 set the present policy and legal framework for expansion.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it matters

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

Problems

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

Way forward

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

Put in your answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 21

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

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

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

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 29 Jul, 16:13 IST · Release 292198

Issue page →

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

Economy

Coal Exchanges in India

GS3 Economy / EnergyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026 the Minister of State for Coal told the Lok Sabha about the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026, notified on 4 June 2026 under Section 18B of the MMDR Act, 1957.
What it is: The Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 are subordinate rules under the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957. They set up a regulated framework for online exchanges where coal, lignite and processed forms are traded through delivery-based contracts. They fix registration, governance, price discovery, surveillance and risk safeguards.

Regulator: The Coal Controller Organisation is the Authority that registers and regulates coal exchanges.
Settlement Guarantee Fund: Each exchange runs a Settlement Guarantee Fund managed by an independent committee, with at least 50% in safe, liquid instruments.
Regulator's powers: The Authority has powers of intervention, interim orders and inspection, and watches for manipulation, cartelization, insider trading and abuse of dominant position.
Who can trade: Any entity, including captive and commercial miners and small and medium non-regulated sector consumers, can trade.
Legal basis: Coal exchanges are enabled by the MMDR Amendment Act, 2025, which introduced Mineral Exchanges.
Rules: The Ministry of Coal notified the Coal Exchange Rules, 2026 to govern establishing and operating exchanges.
Validity: A registration stays valid for 25 years.
Safeguards: Exchanges offer price discovery, quality assurance through approved sampling agencies, market surveillance, and clearing and settlement backed by a settlement fund.
Fee payment: Application fees are paid through the BharatKosh Portal.
Parent law: The 2025 amendment to the MMDR Act introduced the concept of a Mineral Exchange and empowered the Centre to promote transparent trading of minerals, including coal.
Registration term: Registrations will be granted for 25 years.
Market model: The shift is from a one-to-many sales model to a many-to-many trading platform.
Who gains access: Commercial and captive miners get access to a wider pool of buyers, and public sector coal companies can also use the platform.

Don’t confuse with Coal Controller Organisation vs Coal India Ltd: The CCO is a regulatory and statistical office under the Ministry of Coal. Coal India Ltd is a public sector producer of coal.

Don’t confuse with Coal exchange vs e-auction: An exchange is a regulated platform for trading delivery-based coal contracts among many buyers and sellers. An e-auction is a sale route run by a coal seller.

Don’t confuse with Coal Controller Organisation vs Ministry of Coal: The Ministry of Coal makes the rules. The CCO, a body under the Ministry, is the authority to register and regulate exchanges.

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.

Why it matters

Transparent price discovery can reduce opacity in coal pricing and widen market access for small and medium consumers.
An independent regulator with surveillance powers can help curb cartelization and manipulation.
Market-based price discovery and transparent trading can improve efficiency in the coal market.
It can attract private participation and improve supply-chain resilience, supporting energy security.
Transparent price discovery and wider buyer access can improve efficiency in coal marketing.
Supports energy security and ease of doing business through a more competitive coal market.

Problems

The regulator is a government organisation, which raises questions about independence and capacity for market oversight.
Quality variation in coal complicates standard contracts and price adjustment.
A new market needs enough buyers, sellers and liquidity, and trust in quality checks and settlement.
Coal pricing and supply are dominated by a few large producers, so competition and market manipulation need watching.
Thin initial trading volumes and the dominance of public sector producers may limit real price discovery.
Regulatory oversight is needed to prevent price manipulation and to manage risk.

Way forward

Build strong quality certification and sampling systems so that price adjustment is trusted.
Review regulatory capacity and transparency once the first exchange begins trading.
Enforce strong surveillance, sampling and settlement safeguards through the regulator.
Phase in participation and review rules as the first exchanges start operating.
Build strong surveillance and risk safeguards, with clear bye-laws for exchanges.
Phase in participation and link the exchange gradually with existing sales channels.

Put in your answer

Market safeguards: The Rules require a surveillance department, an automated audit trail, a disaster recovery site and a grievance redressal forum.

MMDR Amendment Act, 2025: It introduced the Mineral Exchange concept, a legal basis for market-based mineral trading that can be cited as a reform example.

Many-to-many model: Use the shift from one-to-many to many-to-many trading as an example of market reform in the energy sector.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Coal, 29 Jul, 17:19 IST · Release 292236

Issue page →

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

Scheme

PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India)

GS2 EducationGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the Minister of State for Education told the Rajya Sabha that 13,092 schools have been selected under PM SHRI, and that States which skip the MoU or withdraw miss out on its benefits.
What it is: PM SHRI (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India) is a centrally sponsored scheme to build exemplar schools that showcase the National Education Policy 2020. These schools are meant to guide other schools in their neighbourhood. It was approved in 2022 for the period 2022-23 to 2026-27.

Type of scheme: PM SHRI is a centrally sponsored scheme, so the Centre and States share its cost.
Implementation period: The scheme runs from 2022-23 to 2026-27.
Selection method: States/UTs first sign an MoU with the Centre. Schools are then picked through Challenge Mode, in which they compete for support.
Funds: Fund allocation and release began in FY 2023-24.

Don’t confuse with PM SHRI vs Samagra Shiksha: Samagra Shiksha is the umbrella scheme for school education from pre-school to Class 12. PM SHRI is a separate scheme to build exemplar schools.

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Human Resource Development, 29 Jul, 19:07 IST · Release 292259

Issue page →

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

Scheme

NIPUN Bharat Mission

GS2 EducationGS2 Welfare schemesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the Minister of State for Education told the Rajya Sabha about the NIPUN Bharat Mission's initiatives, funding route and enrolment in the foundational stage.
What it is: NIPUN Bharat Mission is a national mission of the Department of School Education & Literacy, Ministry of Education. It aims for every child to attain foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 2. It aligns with NEP 2020 and runs under the Samagra Shiksha scheme.

Launch and goal: Launched on 5 July 2021 so that every child attains foundational literacy and numeracy by the end of Grade 2.
Funding route: The mission is set up under the centrally sponsored scheme Samagra Shiksha. States submit Annual Work Plan and Budget, appraised by the Project Approval Board.
Foundational stage: In the 5+3+3+4 structure, the age group 3-6 years (3 years of Balvatika) is included in the school continuum for the first time, along with Grades 1 and 2.
Vidya Pravesh: A 3-month play-based school preparation module for Grade I, launched on 29 July 2021.

Don’t confuse with NIPUN Bharat vs Samagra Shiksha: Samagra Shiksha is the umbrella scheme for school education; NIPUN Bharat is a mission within it focused on FLN.

Don’t confuse with Jaadui Pitara vs e-Jaadui Pitara: Jaadui Pitara is the physical box of materials (2023); e-Jaadui Pitara is the mobile app and website based on it (2024).

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Human Resource Development, 29 Jul, 19:21 IST · Release 292262

Issue page →

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

International relations

CORSIA and Sustainable Aviation Fuel

GS3 Environment and aviationGS2 International institutionsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu chaired a stakeholder meeting to review India's readiness for Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and CORSIA, whose mandatory phase begins on 1 January 2027.
What it is: CORSIA is the Carbon Offsetting and Reduction Scheme for International Aviation, a global market-based measure run by ICAO. It aims to keep net CO2 emissions from international flights at 2019 levels by having airlines offset growth through eligible emissions units or use of eligible fuels. Sustainable Aviation Fuel is a drop-in fuel with lower lifecycle emissions that can be blended with conventional jet fuel.

CORSIA owner: CORSIA is ICAO's global carbon reduction framework for international aviation.
Mandatory phase: The mandatory phase of CORSIA begins on 1 January 2027.
India's immediate target: India's immediate priority is meeting the 1% CORSIA blending requirement cost-effectively.
Green airports: 104 airports have switched entirely to 100% green energy, up from 0 in 2014.
National SAF Registry: A national SAF Registry with end-to-end traceability is being developed, along with Letters of Authorisation for CORSIA.
ICAO: ICAO is a specialised agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Montreal, set up under the 1944 Chicago Convention.

Don’t confuse with CORSIA vs EU ETS: CORSIA is a global ICAO scheme for international flights. The EU ETS is a regional cap-and-trade system run by the European Union.

Don’t confuse with SAF vs biofuel blending: SAF is a jet fuel with lower lifecycle emissions. Ethanol blending in petrol is a separate road-fuel programme.

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

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Civil Aviation, 29 Jul, 21:55 IST · Release 292272

Issue page →

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

Scheme

National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) and Digital India

GS2 GovernanceGS3 Digital infrastructurePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the IT Minister told the Lok Sabha that Common Service Centres rose from 83,950 (May 2014) to 5,01,731 (May 2026). They now cover 2,56,743 Gram Panchayats.
What it is: The National e-Governance Plan (NeGP) was a 2006 programme to put government services within reach of citizens through common delivery outlets. It built shared digital infrastructure and many Mission Mode Projects. In 2015 it was subsumed into the Digital India Programme, which keeps CSCs as last-mile centres.

NeGP approval: NeGP was approved in May 2006 to make government services accessible locally through common delivery outlets.
Digital India: Digital India was launched in July 2015 and NeGP was subsumed under it.
Core NeGP infrastructure: NeGP created State Data Centres, SWANs, State Service Delivery Gateways and CSCs.
CSC 2.0: The CSC scheme was approved in September 2006. It was restructured as CSC 2.0 in August 2015 to have at least one CSC in each of about 2.5 lakh Gram Panchayats.
District e-Governance Societies: DeGS are registered societies under State Governments and district administrations. They are the district-level nodal mechanism for e-District, CSC and other initiatives.
BharatNet: 2.21 lakh Gram Panchayats were service-ready under BharatNet as of June 2026.

Don’t confuse with NeGP vs Digital India: NeGP (2006) focused on Mission Mode Projects and shared infrastructure. Digital India (2015) subsumed it and added digital literacy, employment and infrastructure goals.

Don’t confuse with CSC 1.0 vs CSC 2.0: CSC 1.0 was the original NeGP scheme. CSC 2.0 is the 2015 restructuring under Digital India, aiming for one CSC in every Gram Panchayat.

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: Lasting governance topic: NeGP approved May 2006, subsumed in Digital India in July 2015. It is background, so the question chance is low.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Electronics & IT, 29 Jul, 14:42 IST · Release 292157

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Interoperable Criminal Justice System (ICJS) and CCTNS

GS2 Governance and JusticeGS3 Internal securityPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 29 July 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs told the Rajya Sabha in a written reply about the digital tools it uses to speed up and add transparency to criminal justice, including CCTNS and ICJS.
What it is: CCTNS is the national network that computerises police work from FIR registration to charge-sheet. ICJS is a platform that lets police, courts, prisons, forensics and prosecution exchange records electronically. Both run under the Ministry of Home Affairs and are used for the new criminal laws.

CCTNS scope: CCTNS computerises police processes from FIR registration to charge-sheet filing and links with courts and other pillars of justice.
ICJS purpose: ICJS lets police, courts, prisons, forensics and prosecution share data, including FIRs, charge-sheets, court orders, forensic reports and prison data.
ITSSO: ITSSO is a dashboard to track investigation of sexual offences against women and children and timely charge-sheet filing.
e-Sakshya: The e-Sakshya mobile app captures and manages primary digital evidence, keeping its integrity from collection to court.
NAFIS: NAFIS is a national fingerprint repository that matches chance prints from crime scenes against criminal records in real time.
e-Prison: e-Prison is a cloud-based application that integrates jail databases into one national network and shares data with courts, police and forensic labs.

Don’t confuse with CCTNS vs ICJS: CCTNS digitises police work and records. ICJS is the wider platform that links police with courts, prisons, forensics and prosecution.

Don’t confuse with e-Sakshya vs e-Summons: e-Sakshya handles digital evidence capture. e-Summons handles generation and delivery of court processes in electronic form.

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: Lasting justice-technology topic (CCTNS, ICJS, ITSSO, e-Sakshya). Mostly a list of tools, so a question is unlikely.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Home Affairs, 29 Jul, 15:38 IST · Release 292176

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

NCCR's Clean Coast Index, built on microplastic and macroplastic data, rates the Thoothukudi coast and Gulf of Mannar as 'moderately clean'.
At Global Tiger Day 2026 the Environment Minister put India's tiger count at 3,682, and NTCA launched an eco-tourism webpage.
A Department of Military Medicine, described as the country's first, was inaugurated at Command Hospital (Central Command), Lucknow, under DGMS (Army).
Kavach 4.0 has been commissioned on 2,569 route km; consequential train accidents fell from 135 in 2014-15 to 16 in 2025-26.
The Live Events Development Cell, set up in July 2025 under the I&B Secretary, aims to make India a global live events hub by 2030.
India has signed MoUs with 24 countries to share population-scale digital public infrastructure solutions.
IN-SPACe has granted 108 authorizations to non-government entities for space activities under the Indian Space Policy 2023.
India's GERD was 0.84% of GDP in 2023-24, with the private sector's share at 51.8%, above the government's 48.2%.

Source: PIB, 29 Jul

What we left out: 96 of 116 releases

Speeches without a decision (3)
Same issue as another release (38)
Sports congratulations (3)
Routine parliament data (29)
Enforcement drives (1)
Ceremonies and campaigns (6)
Routine export consignment (1)
Routine scheme progress (2)
Routine data release (1)
Routine recruitment data (1)
Research news without syllabus hook (1)
Training events (1)
Tender deadline extension (1)
Routine MoUs (2)
Tender process steps (1)
Review meetings (1)
Visits without a decision (1)
Other releases (3)

Practise the day’s news

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

1Left Wing Extremism in IndiaMCQ · 11 true or false · Mains
2Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024MCQ · 15 true or false · Mains
3PM Vidyalaxmi SchemeMCQ · 5 true or false
4Consumer Price Index (CPI) Base Year RevisionMCQ · 6 true or false
5NavIC (IRNSS) ConstellationMCQ · 6 true or false
6Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI ActMCQ · 21 true or false · Mains
7Coal Exchanges in IndiaMCQ · 7 true or false
8PM SHRI Schools (Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India)MCQ · 5 true or false
9NIPUN Bharat MissionMCQ · 5 true or false
10CORSIA and Sustainable Aviation FuelMCQ · 6 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

The Home Ministry has informed Parliament that no district is now categorised as Left Wing Extremism affected, down from 126 districts, after the National Policy and Action Plan of 2015. Examine the key elements of the Centre's multi-pronged strategy against LWE, given that Police and Public Order are State subjects. What challenges remain in consolidating these gains?

From: Left Wing Extremism in India

Write and get it marked

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