Current Affairs, 30 July 2026

Repeat offenders

Section 3A was added in 2003. It prescribes a minimum of one year's imprisonment for second and later convictions under Section 2 or 3. It will now cover Vande Mataram too.

Scope of the 1971 Act

The Act was enacted on 23 December 1971 and extends to the whole of India. It protects the Flag, the Constitution and the National Anthem.

Constituent Assembly statement

On 24 January 1950, Dr. Rajendra Prasad said Vande Mataram should be honoured equally with Jana Gana Mana and given equal status.

Lawful criticism protected

Comments made to secure lawful amendment of the Constitution, Flag or government measures are not an offence under Section 2.

Don’t confuse with National Anthem vs National Song: Jana Gana Mana is the National Anthem; Vande Mataram is the National Song. Dr. Rajendra Prasad said they should have equal status.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2014Mains GS4 · Q2Patriotism's implications in everyday civil life, with illustrations
2. 2003Prelims Q47Correct statement on national flag, calendar, song and anthem
3. 1996Prelims Q64Why no one can be compelled to sing National Anthem

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

Dedicated funds

₹5,000 crore under JJM 2.0 is earmarked for drinking water gaps in PM-JANMAN and DA-JGUA villages.

Nodal departments

DDWS (Ministry of Jal Shakti) and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs work together on the water component.

District platform

The District Water and Sanitation Mission, chaired by the Deputy Commissioner/District Magistrate, is the main district platform for coordination and validation.

Joint Committee

Proposals go to a Joint Committee co-chaired by the Secretary, DDWS and the Secretary, MoTA.

SurveySetu

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs ran a State-wise SurveySetu exercise with household-level checks of Functional Household Tap Connection status.

Launch

The Prime Minister launched the mission on 15 November 2023.

Target group

It covers 75 PVTG communities in 18 States and one Union Territory.

Delivery model

The mission has 11 interventions run by 9 line ministries.

Services covered

Aims include safe housing, drinking water, education, health, nutrition, road and telecom links, electrification and livelihoods.

Gap survey

Habitation-level data was collected through the PM Gati Shakti mobile application to estimate PVTG population and infrastructure gaps.

Monitoring

A digital dashboard on the PM GatiShakti portal tracks works. The Ministry also has a Project Monitoring Unit.

Fund flow

States must follow Department of Expenditure instructions on SNA SPARSH along with applicable GFRs.

Implementation

Many ministries deliver their own components, with Tribal Affairs coordinating. Houses come under Rural Development and water under Jal Shakti.

Don’t confuse with PM-JANMAN vs DA-JGUA: PM-JANMAN is focused on PVTGs. DA-JGUA covers tribal villages more broadly.

Don’t confuse with DDWS vs MoTA: DDWS runs Jal Jeevan Mission and supplies the water. MoTA runs the tribal schemes and the SurveySetu verification.

Don’t confuse with PM-JANMAN vs Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: PM-JANMAN is for PVTGs only. Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan covers a wider set of tribal villages.

Don’t confuse with PM JANMAN vs Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan: PM JANMAN is for PVTGs. Dharti Aaba covers a wider set of tribal villages.

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

1. 2019Prelims Q51Which statements about PVTGs (residence, criteria, count, Irular/Konda Reddi) are correct?
2. 2026Mains GS2 · Q6Does India's tribal development policy reflect equity-based, socially grounded governance?
3. 2020Mains GS4 · Q9Case of tribal district backwardness and welfare schemes' inadequate benefits; ethical response.
4. 2016Mains GS1 · Q10Why are tribals called Scheduled Tribes; constitutional provisions for their upliftment?
5. 2013Mains GS2 · Q12Critically evaluate restructuring of centrally sponsored schemes for vulnerable sections
6. 2018Prelims Q98Which statements on Critical Wildlife Habitat and Habitat Rights for PVTGs are correct?
7. 2021Prelims Q84Which ministry is nodal for implementing the Forest Rights Act, 2006?

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

Siting criteria

EMRSs are set up in blocks with more than 50% ST population and at least 20,000 tribal persons, as per Census 2011.

Status

728 EMRSs are approved and 508 are functional across the country.

Implementing body

NESTS is an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. It gives policy direction, academic support, monitoring and recruitment support, and releases recurring grants directly to schools.

Local management

State EMRS Societies run the schools. District-level committees under the Collector or District Magistrate oversee local implementation.

Recruitment

Staff are recruited centrally through the EMRS Staff Selection Examination (ESSE). 9111 staff have been recruited so far.

Don’t confuse with EMRS vs Ashram Schools: Ashram schools are older tribal residential schools, many run by states. EMRSs are a Centre-led scheme with NESTS as the body in charge.

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

1. 2021Mains GS1 · Q9Examine how the tribal knowledge system is unique compared with mainstream knowledge and culture.
2. 2016Mains GS1 · Q10Why are tribals called Scheduled Tribes, and what constitutional provisions exist for their upliftment?
3. 2026Mains GS2 · Q6Does India's tribal development policy reflect socially grounded, equity-based governance aspirations? Justify.
4. 2026Prelims Q57Which statements on SC and ST provisions, including Fifth Schedule and tribal tax exemptions, are correct?

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

Nodal ministry

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs runs the scheme and holds inter-ministerial and coordination meetings with line ministries.

Monitoring set-up

A Project Management Unit (PMU) is provided for monitoring and implementation of the scheme.

Technology-enabled tracking

The Monitoring and Evaluation Framework uses the PM GatiShakti Portal to track progress in real time.

Community engagement

The Ministry encourages community involvement through the Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan.

Don’t confuse with DAJGUA vs Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan: DAJGUA is the village development scheme. Adi Karmayogi Abhiyan is a related initiative that builds community engagement and grassroots leadership.

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

1. 2020Mains GS4 · Q9Ethical dilemma on tribal backwardness and welfare programmes' inadequate benefits.
2. 2026Mains GS2 · Q6Whether India's tribal development policy reflects socially grounded, equity-based governance aspirations.
3. 2018Mains GS1 · Q17Core strategies for aspirational districts; convergence, collaboration, competition explained.
4. 2021Prelims Q84Which ministry is nodal agency for Forest Rights Act implementation nationally?
5. 2022Prelims Q73Consequence of bringing an area under the Fifth Schedule.
6. 2023Prelims Q39Statements on notification and administration of Scheduled Areas in India.

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

First Stage forecast

IMD's first long range forecast, issued on 13 April 2026, predicted below-normal rainfall at 92% of the LPA.

Second Stage forecast

The forecast was revised to 90% of the LPA, with El Niño conditions expected to develop.

El Niño onset

Weak El Niño formed in June 2026 and strengthened to moderate.

El Niño and monsoon link

In an El Niño event the Indian summer monsoon is generally weaker than normal, and the event's intensity decides how large the impact is.

Historical record

Of 16 El Niño years since 1950, 7 saw below-normal Indian monsoon rainfall.

Timing of the effect

The inverse relationship between El Niño and rainfall is stronger in the later half of the season, especially September.

No district risk study

The Ministry has issued no district-wise El Niño risk assessment or guidelines to States for 2026.

No 'Super El Nino' category

Neither the WMO nor IMD officially defines a 'Super El Nino'. The term is informal.

How strength is classified

El Nino events are classed as weak, moderate, strong or very strong by the size of sea surface temperature anomalies over the equatorial central Pacific.

2026 progression

El Nino was weak in June 2026 and became moderate in July 2026.

Outlook

It may reach the very strong category in October–December 2026, but its impact on India depends on coupled ocean–atmosphere conditions, of which El Nino is one factor.

Impact-Based Forecasts

IMD issues Impact-Based Forecasts and risk-based warnings daily, valid for 7 days, for disaster authorities and States.

Walker circulation

El Nino weakens the Walker circulation, an east-west atmospheric circulation over the tropical Pacific.

Peak of the event

The ongoing El Niño is expected to peak in winter, from November 2026 to January 2027.

Thermal stress

The Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal are likely to face thermal stress, most in March-May 2027. This may bleach corals and cause marine heat waves.

Fisheries impact

Sardine and mackerel catches may fall as fish migrate or fewer young fish join the stock.

East and west coast contrast

The Bay of Bengal will stay rough in the monsoon, raising erosion and flood risk on the east coast. The Arabian Sea and west coast should be calmer.

Next bulletin

INCOIS will issue the next specialized bulletin in the second week of July 2026.

Parent body

INCOIS is the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services, Hyderabad, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Don’t confuse with El Niño vs La Niña: El Niño is warming of the central and eastern Pacific and usually weakens the Indian monsoon. La Niña is cooling and usually favours it.

Don’t confuse with ENSO vs Indian Ocean Dipole: ENSO is a Pacific phenomenon. The IOD is the temperature difference across the Indian Ocean, and a positive IOD can offset El Niño's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with El Niño vs Indian Ocean Dipole: El Niño is a Pacific phenomenon. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a sea-surface temperature difference across the Indian Ocean; a positive IOD can offset El Niño's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with El Nino vs La Nina: El Nino is warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific and usually weakens the Indian monsoon. La Nina is cooling there and usually favours good monsoon rainfall.

Don’t confuse with El Nino vs Indian Ocean Dipole: El Nino is a Pacific phenomenon. The Indian Ocean Dipole is a temperature difference between the western and eastern Indian Ocean. A positive IOD can offset El Nino's effect on the monsoon.

Don’t confuse with INCOIS vs IMD: INCOIS gives ocean advisories such as sea state and fishing zones. IMD issues weather and monsoon forecasts.

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

1. 2014Mains GS1 · Q16Whether unusual climatic events are mainly explained by El Niño
2. 2014Mains GS3 · Q14NDMA-guided drought preparedness for El Niño and La Niña fallouts
3. 2015Mains GS1 · Q18Whether Indian monsoon behaviour changes due to humanised landscapes
4. 2011Prelims Q52How La Niña differs from El Niño, including monsoon effects
5. 2010Prelims Q4Normal El Niño vs Modoki: locations and Atlantic hurricane effects
6. 2017Prelims Q66Correct statements on IOD and El Niño's monsoon impact

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

Type and start

PMKSY is a central sector umbrella scheme run by MoFPI since 2017-18.

Demand-driven

Funds are not allocated state-wise. Applications come through Expressions of Interest and are judged on merit, subject to funds.

Progress

1,735 projects approved and 1,256 operational as on 30.06.2026, with 294.21 LMT per annum capacity.

FPO support

FPOs get enhanced financial assistance with a reduced net-worth requirement compared with general applicants.

Form of aid

Assistance is given as grants-in-aid or subsidy.

Don’t confuse with PMKSY vs PMFME: PMKSY is a central sector umbrella scheme for larger processing infrastructure. PMFME is a centrally sponsored scheme for micro food processing enterprises, with 35% credit-linked subsidy up to ₹10 lakh.

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

1. 2020Mains GS3 · Q4Challenges, opportunities of food processing; increasing farmers' income via processing.
2. 2025Mains GS3 · Q14Scope of food processing industries; government employment-generating measures.
3. 2019Mains GS3 · Q14Government policies to meet food processing sector challenges.

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

States left out

Chhattisgarh was not covered by the scheme.

Impact study

The Quality Council of India did the overall impact assessment. It noted better community awareness and more women's participation in leadership and decisions.

Groundwater result

In the 2023-2025 assessment, 180 of the 229 blocks showed improved groundwater levels.

Community design

Gram Panchayats prepared Water Budgets and Water Security Plans every year. NGOs worked as District Implementation Partners, and at least 33% women's participation in decision-making was mandatory.

Pilot status

The scheme was a pilot with fixed duration and outlay. The Ministry calls it a replicable model for other States.

Don’t confuse with Atal Bhujal Yojana vs Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari: Atal Bhujal Yojana was a pilot groundwater management scheme in seven States. Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari is a whole-of-society drive mobilising communities and CSR support to build rainwater harvesting structures.

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

1. 2025Mains GS3 · Q13Factors depleting groundwater in India and government mitigation steps.
2. 2019Mains GS1 · Q14Define water stress and explain its regional variation in India.
3. 2023Prelims Q76Statements on India's share of world groundwater withdrawal.

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

Registration and verification

Applications go only through Common Service Centres. Verification is at Gram Panchayat or Urban Local Body level, vetting by the District Implementation Committee, and approval by the Screening Committee.

Digital incentive

Re 1 per digital transaction, up to 100 transactions a month.

Trades covered

The scheme covers 18 traditional trades, including carpenter, boat maker, armourer, goldsmith, potter, cobbler, mason, barber, washerman and tailor.

Registration and benefits

Artisans who pass three levels of verification become eligible for skill upgradation, credit support, modern toolkits, digital incentives and marketing support.

Training reach

24.29 lakh beneficiaries have received basic skill training so far.

IIM Mumbai evaluation

A concurrent evaluation covered 11,591 beneficiaries in all States and UTs. 93% reported a moderate to significant income increase after training.

Formalisation link

Beneficiaries are on-boarded on the Udyam Assist Platform so they can access government schemes and priority sector lending.

Launch date

The scheme was launched by the Ministry of MSME on 17 September 2023.

State machinery

West Bengal has notified a State Monitoring Committee and District Implementation Committees to roll out the scheme.

Enrolment in West Bengal

7.79 lakh artisans and craftspeople are enrolled in the state.

Nature of scheme

It is a Central Sector Scheme run by the Ministry of MSME.

Benefits

Support includes recognition, skill training, toolkits, collateral-free credit, digital incentives and market support.

Don’t confuse with PM Vishwakarma vs PM SVANidhi: PM Vishwakarma supports artisans in 18 traditional trades; PM SVANidhi gives working-capital loans to street vendors. Those who fully repaid MUDRA or PM SVANidhi loans can join PM Vishwakarma.

Don’t confuse with Central Sector Scheme vs Centrally Sponsored Scheme: PM Vishwakarma is a Central Sector Scheme, funded wholly by the Centre. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme is shared with States.

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

1. 2021Mains GS2 · Q7Strengthening earn-while-you-learn scheme to make vocational training meaningful.
2. 2016Mains GS2 · Q16Measures to make population productive and employable via skills.
3. 2023Mains GS2 · Q18Linkages between education, skill development, and employment, analysed
4. 2023Mains GS3 · Q1Govt policies to raise manufacturing share of GDP, especially MSMEs.
5. 2014Mains GS2 · Q11Whether schemes protecting social resources for backward communities exclude them from urban business.
6. 2017Prelims Q3Recognition of Prior Learning Scheme: certifying traditionally acquired skills of workers

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

Registration and penalty

Projects must be registered before any advertisement, marketing, booking or sale. Violation attracts a penalty of up to 10% of the estimated project cost.

70% escrow rule

Promoters must deposit 70% of money collected from buyers in a separate bank account, used only for land cost and construction.

Dispute resolution

The Act provides fast-track disposal of disputes within 60 days.

Section 40 recovery

Unpaid interest, penalty or compensation can be recovered from the promoter as arrears of land revenue.

Central Advisory Council

Section 41 provides for the CAC, chaired by the Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, to advise the Centre on implementation.

Don’t confuse with Regulatory Authority vs Appellate Tribunal: The Regulatory Authority registers projects and penalises violations. The Appellate Tribunal hears appeals against its orders.

Don’t confuse with Central Advisory Council vs state authorities: The CAC advises the Centre on implementation. State Regulatory Authorities regulate projects on the ground.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2017Mains GS4 · Q13Illegal building extension and collapse; builder accountability and cash relief for migrant labourers.
2. 2015Mains GS2 · Q16Whether regulatory institutions can remain independent and autonomous, based on recent experience.
3. 2013Mains GS4 · Q13Official's ethics when builders seek insider information on housing policy decisions.

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

Data source

Figures are compiled and published by the National Crime Records Bureau in 'Crime in India'.

Who gave the reply

MoS Ramdas Athawale gave a written reply in the Rajya Sabha to a question by Sanjay Singh.

Don’t confuse with Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955: This earlier law punishes untouchability practices. The 1989 Act deals with atrocities (violence, humiliation, land and social offences) against SCs and STs.

Don’t confuse with Registered cases vs persons convicted: The release counts cases (convictions in cases) and persons (persons convicted) separately; they are different figures.

Laws, judgments and statutory bodies: 30 Prelims questions since 2013 (what the law says, who chairs, legal basis). In Mains, 44 news-triggered questions, most in GS2, asking for provisions and challenges.

1. 2026Mains GS2 · Q5Whether NCSC and NCST have enforcement powers for social equality; suggest reforms
2. 2017Mains GS1 · Q10Two major legal initiatives since Independence against discrimination against Scheduled Tribes
3. 2016Mains GS1 · Q10Why tribals are called Scheduled Tribes; constitutional provisions for their upliftment

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