UPSC current affairs · Wednesday

Current Affairs, 5 August 2026

12 issues picked from 102 PIB releases · about 2 minutes each · written by UPSC Grade, each fact checked against its PIB release or by a second model

How to readRead “Why in news” and “What it is” for every issue. Open For Prelims or For Mains for the exam you’re preparing for, then Test yourself at the foot of each card. Half the news questions in Prelims are answered from background, not the news itself.

In 60 seconds

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act. India's Nuclear Energy Mission backs five indigenous SMRs; Tarapur and Vizag sites approved; SHANTI Act opens sector.
EWS Reservation (103rd Constitutional Amendment). Government restates EWS quota rules; no amendment proposed; Chhattisgarh has not yet implemented it.
Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and Three-Stage Nuclear Programme. PFBR at Kalpakkam attained first criticality, opening the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme.
Chandipura Virus Disease. Centre sends joint outbreak team to Gujarat and Rajasthan as Chandipura virus probe widens.
Human-Wildlife Conflict and Centre of Excellence. Environment Ministry panel reviews human-wildlife conflict; notes new Centre of Excellence and national portal.
El Niño and the Indian Monsoon. IMD forecasts a below-normal 2026 monsoon at 90% of LPA amid El Niño; no district risk guidelines.
Space Debris and Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres. ISRO performed 20 collision avoidance manoeuvres in 2025 and 9 in 2026; India expands debris tracking.
Gaganyaan Mission. Gaganyaan's hardware is largely ready; uncrewed flight due Q4 2026, crewed flight by 2027.
Inventory-based Cross-border E-Commerce Export Framework. India allows export-only inventory e-commerce through registered Exporters-on-Record, with safeguards for Indian sellers.
Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB). Mission Karmayogi's iGOT platform has 1.70 crore users; annual courses now feed into APAR.
National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA). 21 legislative houses now digital under NeVA; 33 of 37 have signed MoUs.
POCSO Act, 2012. Government lists POCSO, BNS, IT Rules and portals as its framework against online child abuse.

Science and technology

Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI Act

GS3 Energy - Nuclear PowerGS2 LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, in a written Lok Sabha reply, Dr. Jitendra Singh gave the status of India's Small Modular Reactors under the Nuclear Energy Mission and the SHANTI Act, 2025.
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 yourselfMains

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, 5 Aug, 15:32 IST · Release 292770

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

EWS Reservation (103rd Constitutional Amendment)

GS2 Polity - ReservationPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Minister of State for Social Justice told the Lok Sabha that EWS reservation rests on the 103rd Amendment and that no proposal to amend its provisions is under consideration.
What it is: The 103rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019 allows up to 10% reservation for economically weaker sections outside SC, ST and SEBC categories. It added clauses to Articles 15 and 16. The Supreme Court upheld it in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (2022) by a 3:2 majority.

Constitutional provisions: The Act inserted Articles 15(6) and 16(6), allowing up to 10% reservation for EWS in education admissions and civil posts.
Who is covered: The quota is for economically weaker persons not covered by SC, ST or SEBC schemes.
Judicial validation: The Supreme Court upheld the amendment in Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India (November 2022) by a 3:2 majority.

Don’t confuse with Articles 15(4)/16(4) vs 15(6)/16(6): Articles 15(4) and 16(4) cover socially and educationally backward classes, SCs and STs. Articles 15(6) and 16(6) cover economic weakness among those left out.

Don’t confuse with Article 15(5) vs 15(6): Article 15(5) covers admission to private educational institutions for backward classes. Article 15(6) covers EWS.

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.

Test yourself

Source: PIB, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, 5 Aug, 18:41 IST · Release 292822

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

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

GS3 Science and Technology - Nuclear EnergyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: In a Lok Sabha written reply on 5 August 2026, the Minister said the PFBR at Kalpakkam reached first criticality on 6 April 2026, advancing the second stage of India's three-stage nuclear programme.
What it is: The Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor is a 500 MW sodium-cooled fast reactor at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu. It was designed by IGCAR and is built by BHAVINI. It uses Uranium-Plutonium MOX fuel and breeds Pu-239 from a U-238 blanket, which links India's PHWR stage to the thorium stage.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Why it matters

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

Problems

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

Way forward

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

Put in your answer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Test yourself

True or false?

1 of 42

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

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

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

Source: PIB, Department of Atomic Energy, 5 Aug, 15:30 IST · Release 292769

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Chandipura Virus Disease

GS3 Science and Technology - HealthPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Union Health Ministry deployed a National Joint Outbreak Response Team to Gujarat and Rajasthan for the ongoing Chandipura virus outbreak. Several ICMR and ICAR institutes are also investigating vectors, animal reservoirs and genetic changes.
What it is: Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an RNA virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, in the genus Vesiculovirus. It causes fever that can progress to acute encephalitis, mainly in children. It was first isolated in 1965 near Chandipura in Maharashtra, and sandflies are its known vector.

Response team: The NJORT has experts from NCDC, ICMR and the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying. It will review the response and report to the Ministry.
Vector: Sandflies are the established vectors. Other arthropods such as mosquitoes, ticks and mites are being examined, and the vector for this outbreak is not yet identified.
Animal reservoirs: Blood samples from cattle, buffaloes and goats, plus milk samples, are being tested for the virus.
Genome sequencing: Whole-genome sequencing is being done at GBRC, Gandhinagar. Minor variations are found, but their significance is not yet known.
AES surveillance network: India has a hospital-based AES surveillance network spanning 15 tertiary care hospitals.
Virus classification: Chandipura virus belongs to the family Rhabdoviridae, the same family as the rabies virus.

Don’t confuse with Chandipura virus vs Japanese encephalitis virus: Chandipura is a rhabdovirus spread by sandflies. Japanese encephalitis is a flavivirus spread by Culex mosquitoes. Both can cause acute encephalitis syndrome.

Don’t confuse with IDSP vs NCDC: IDSP is the surveillance programme. NCDC is the national body that coordinates it.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Disease outbreak with NJORT and IDSP facts; a lasting health topic, but no matching Prelims kind counts for outbreak events (disaster/environment events only 2 of 327).

Source: PIB, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, 5 Aug, 12:07 IST · Release 292730

Issue page →

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

Environment

Human-Wildlife Conflict and Centre of Excellence

GS3 Environment and EcologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Parliamentary Consultative Committee of the Environment Ministry met in New Delhi under Bhupender Yadav to discuss human-wildlife conflict. It noted the new Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore, and the National Human–Wildlife Conflict Portal.
What it is: Human-wildlife conflict is harm caused by wild animals to people, crops and property, and retaliation against the animals. Its pattern differs by landscape and species, such as elephants, tigers and leopards. The Centre of Excellence on Human–Wildlife Conflict is a national institution for research, technology, policy support, capacity building and community-centred approaches.

Centre of Excellence (CoE-HWC): It is set up at SACON, WII South Centre, Coimbatore, as a national institution for research, technology, policy support and capacity building. The Prime Minister announced it at the 7th National Board for Wildlife meeting.
Regional Action Plan on elephants: A Regional Action Plan on Elephant Conservation for South India has been approved.
Kerala's framework: Kerala declared human-wildlife conflict a State-Specific Disaster and identified 273 conflict-affected Panchayats.
Uttarakhand helpline: Uttarakhand runs a 24×7 helpline, 1926, with an Integrated Command and Control Centre.

Don’t confuse with SACON vs WII: SACON is the Salim Ali Centre for Ornithology and Natural History in Coimbatore. The Wildlife Institute of India is a separate body in Dehradun; here the CoE sits at WII's South Centre at SACON.

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

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting topic with new Centre of Excellence at SACON, Coimbatore; consultative committee meeting itself has no decision, so no question likely.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change., 5 Aug, 12:27 IST · Release 292732

Issue page →

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

Environment

El Niño and the Indian Monsoon

GS1 Geography - ClimatologyPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Minister of State for Earth Sciences told Lok Sabha that IMD forecast below-normal 2026 monsoon rainfall (90% of LPA) and flagged likely El Niño conditions; no district-wise El Niño risk study has been issued.
What it is: El Niño is the periodic warming of the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, part of the ENSO cycle. It weakens the Walker circulation and usually reduces Indian summer monsoon rainfall. The India Meteorological Department, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, issues the official monsoon forecasts.

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.

Why it matters

The monsoon drives kharif output, reservoir storage and rural incomes, so El Niño years raise risks to farm output and food prices.
Accurate early forecasts help the Centre and States plan for drought and crops.
Monsoon rainfall drives kharif output, reservoir levels and rural incomes, so early forecasts help planning.
Advance El Niño guidance supports farm, water and food-price management.
Monsoon rainfall drives kharif output, rural incomes, reservoir levels and food inflation, so early El Nino warnings help planning.
Early ocean advisories help fishers and ports plan work and cut losses.
Links El Niño to marine ecosystems, coastal safety and the blue economy, not only rainfall.

Problems

Rainfall is unevenly spread: the all-India figure hides deficits in 47% of districts.
Dry spells, low soil moisture and low reservoir levels stress rain-fed crops.
Not every El Niño year gives a deficient monsoon (7 of 16 since 1950), so forecasts carry uncertainty.
No district-level risk assessment or State guidelines exist for 2026 El Niño impacts.
El Nino does not fully decide monsoon outcomes, so forecasts carry uncertainty, as the reply notes.
Warming seas bleach corals and cut fish catch, hurting coastal livelihoods.
Advisories must reach small fishers in time and in local languages.

Way forward

Use sub-divisional IMD alerts for contingency crop planning and water management.
Promote drought-tolerant crops and efficient irrigation in deficient regions.
Build district-wise risk and impact assessments linked to IMD and IITM forecasts.
Link forecasts to crop advisories and dam management for local action.
Use IMD's impact-based forecasts and advisories for crop planning, water management and drought preparedness in States.
Strengthen last-mile delivery of ocean advisories to fishing communities.
Invest in coastal protection and reef monitoring on the east coast.

Put in your answer

El Niño impacts: Implications include prolonged dry spells, localized meteorological drought, lower soil moisture, and stress on rain-fed crops and reservoirs.

El Niño record since 1950: 7 of 16 El Niño years had below-normal monsoon rainfall, showing the link is strong but not certain.

Forecast reply: IMD says El Nino is only one factor among coupled ocean–atmosphere conditions shaping the monsoon.

Coastal impact contrast: Use the east coast versus west coast contrast as an example of how El Niño effects vary regionally.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: El Niño is a textbook concept tested as concept in Prelims; this release gives IMD 2026 forecast figures. Better release is the Lok Sabha reply on INCOIS.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Earth Science, 5 Aug, 13:57 IST · Release 292744

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Space Debris and Collision Avoidance Manoeuvres

GS3 Science and Technology - SpacePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Minister of State for Space told the Lok Sabha that ISRO executed 20 collision avoidance manoeuvres in 2025 and 9 so far in 2026. He also outlined India's debris-mitigation and tracking efforts.
What it is: Space debris is non-functional human-made objects in orbit, such as dead satellites and rocket fragments. A collision avoidance manoeuvre (CAM) is a small change in a satellite's orbit to avoid a predicted close approach with another object. Low Earth Orbit is the most crowded region, so satellites there face the highest collision risk.

CAM count: ISRO performed 20 CAMs in 2025 and 9 so far in 2026.
Liability framework: IN-SPACe has formulated a policy framework on the State's liability for third-party damage from Indian space objects. It covers liability and insurance and is under consideration.
Debris Free Space Mission: India announced its intent for the Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) in 2024. It aims at zero debris by all Indian actors, government and private.
Tracking assets: The multi-object tracking radar at Sriharikota tracks large LEO objects. The NETRA optical telescope at Hanle, Ladakh, is nearing completion and will track objects of 30 cm or more at GEO altitude.
Outer Space Treaty: Under the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, a state bears international responsibility for national space activities, including those of private entities. The 1972 Liability Convention makes a launching state liable for damage caused by its space objects.

Don’t confuse with IADC vs UN-LTS: IADC is a forum of space agencies that sets technical debris-mitigation guidelines. The UN Working Group on Long Term Sustainability of outer space activities is a UN body working on voluntary guidelines.

Don’t confuse with LEO vs GEO: LEO is below about 2000 km and is the most crowded zone. GEO is about 35,786 km above the equator, where satellites match Earth's rotation.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Space debris is a lasting topic with IADC and Debris Free Space Mission facts; space-debris questions in Prelims are rare, so no practice question.

Source: PIB, Department of Space, 5 Aug, 14:28 IST · Release 292752

Issue page →

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

Science and technology

Gaganyaan Mission

GS3 Science and Technology - SpacePrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Minister of State for Space told the Lok Sabha where Gaganyaan stands. The first uncrewed mission is targeted for Q4 2026, and the crewed mission by 2027.
What it is: Gaganyaan is ISRO's human spaceflight programme. It aims to send a crew to low Earth orbit and bring them back safely, using the human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3) launch vehicle. It is also the base for the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Air drop tests: IADT-01 and IADT-02 tested the deceleration system with a simulated crew module.
Timeline: The first uncrewed mission, carrying the Vyommitra half-humanoid, is targeted for Q4 of 2026.
Funding: The Union Cabinet approved ₹20,193 crore for 8 missions in September 2024.
International cooperation: Russia's Roscosmos supplies subsystems and trained the first Gaganyatris at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre. ESA supports network operations, and Australia's space agency supports crew recovery.
Revised scope: In October 2024 the programme grew from three missions (G1, G2, H1) to eight missions.
Mission sequence: Three uncrewed missions (G1, G2, G3) come first, then two crewed missions (H1, H2). Next are a docking mission to a space station (G4), launch of BAS-01 and a docking mission to BAS-01 (G5).
Cumulative expenditure: About ₹6018 crore had been spent by January 2026.
IADT-01: The first Integrated Air Drop Test validated end-to-end performance of the Crew Module's parachute-based deceleration system.
Service Module propulsion test: A 350-second hot test validated integrated performance for an off-nominal mission profile.
Launch vehicle: Gaganyaan uses the human-rated LVM3 (HLVM3).

Don’t confuse with TV-D1 vs IADT: TV-D1 tests the Crew Escape System in flight. The IADTs test the parachute-based deceleration system of the crew module.

Don’t confuse with Gaganyaan vs Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Gaganyaan is the crewed orbital flight programme. BAS is a planned space station, targeted for 2035.

Don’t confuse with TV-D vs IADT: TV-D missions are Test Vehicle flights that test the crew escape system in flight. IADT is an Integrated Air Drop Test of the parachute descent system.

Don’t confuse with G-series vs H-series: G missions are uncrewed flights. H missions carry a crew.

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.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: Lasting space programme with human-rating details; progress update only, so no practice question.

Source: PIB, Department of Space, 5 Aug, 14:29 IST · Release 292754

Issue page →

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

Economy

Inventory-based Cross-border E-Commerce Export Framework

GS3 Economy - External SectorPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On August 5, 2026, the Commerce Ministry notified the Inventory-based Cross-border E-Commerce Export Framework under Foreign Trade Policy 2023 (Notification No. 27/2026-27 and Public Notice No. 25/2026-27).
What it is: This is a framework under Foreign Trade Policy 2023 for e-commerce exports from inventory held in India. It follows an FDI Policy change that permits inventory-based e-commerce only for exports. Eligible entities export through a registered Exporter-on-Record that buys from Indian Sellers-on-Record.

Legal instruments: Notification No. 27/2026-27 and Public Notice No. 25/2026-27, both dated August 5, 2026, operationalise the framework under FTP 2023.
FDI link: Press Note No. 3 (2026 Series) amended the FDI Policy to permit inventory-based e-commerce only for exports. The FTP framework follows it.
Exporter-on-Record role: The EOR buys from Sellers-on-Record against confirmed overseas orders, exports in its own name and is responsible for compliance with destination-country rules.
Inventory safeguards: Inventory may be bought only against confirmed export orders, with no speculative stocking. It must be segregated and tracked digitally, and cannot be sold domestically.
Seller payment and rebates: Sellers are paid within the prescribed timeline even if the overseas buyer has not paid. Rebates and refunds are passed on in proportion to FOB value.

Don’t confuse with Inventory-based vs marketplace model: In the marketplace model the platform only connects buyers and sellers and holds no stock. Inventory-based models involve the platform owning or controlling stock. Here, inventory-based activity is permitted only for exports.

Don’t confuse with Exporter-on-Record vs Seller-on-Record: The EOR is the registered entity that exports in its own name. The SOR is the Indian seller whose goods are supplied to the EOR.

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: New policy under Foreign Trade Policy 2023 with Exporter-on-Record model; economy-scheme topic, but too new and detailed for confident question.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, 5 Aug, 14:36 IST · Release 292756

Issue page →

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

Scheme

Mission Karmayogi (NPCSCB)

GS2 Governance - Civil ServicesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Minister of State for Personnel told the Lok Sabha that iGOT Karmayogi has over 1.70 crore users. He also said all Central employees and AIS officers must now complete prescribed courses annually.
What it is: Mission Karmayogi is the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB). It aims to shift civil service HR from rule-based to role-based systems. Its digital learning platform is iGOT Karmayogi, and a Capacity Building Commission and the Special Purpose Vehicle Karmayogi Bharat support it.

Approval: The Government approved the programme in September 2020.
Institutions: Karmayogi Bharat (the SPV) and the Capacity Building Commission have signed tripartite MoUs with 30 States and UTs.
Platform scale: iGOT has over 1.70 crore registered users and over 5600 courses.
Languages: Courses are offered in 23 Indian languages, including English and Hindi.
AI tools: iGOT AI Tutor, iGOT AI Sarthi and the AI-CBP Tool have been introduced for personalised learning and competency mapping.
Link to APAR: From 2025-26, Central employees and AIS officers must complete prescribed iGOT courses annually, recorded in their APAR.
Why CBC exists: The PM said a dedicated body was needed to raise the capability of every government employee, as earlier institutions had varied focuses.
Occasion: The address was a video message to the Karmayogi Sadhna Saptah, held on CBC's foundation day.
Learning platform: iGOT Karmayogi is the digital learning platform under Mission Karmayogi.
Governance mantra: The PM described the core governance principle as 'Nagrik Devo Bhava', treating the citizen as supreme.

Don’t confuse with Mission Karmayogi vs Karmayogi Bharat: Mission Karmayogi is the national programme. Karmayogi Bharat is the Special Purpose Vehicle that runs the iGOT platform under it.

Don’t confuse with Capacity Building Commission vs Karmayogi Bharat: The Commission sets standards and oversees capacity building. Karmayogi Bharat is the SPV that delivers the digital platform.

Don’t confuse with CBC vs Karmayogi Bharat: The Capacity Building Commission oversees capacity-building plans and standards. Karmayogi Bharat is the Special Purpose Vehicle that runs the digital platform.

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: Capacity-building programme approved 2020 with iGOT platform; schemes are 16% of Prelims news questions, but this is a routine update.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, 5 Aug, 14:40 IST · Release 292757

Issue page →

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

Scheme

National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)

GS2 Polity and Governance - LegislaturesPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Government told the Lok Sabha that 21 Legislative Houses have become digital under NeVA, and 33 of 37 State/UT Legislatures have signed MoUs.
What it is: The National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) is a Mission Mode Project that makes the work of State and UT Legislatures paperless. It puts House business, such as questions, notices, bills and reports, on one digital platform. It is run by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, and States sign MoUs to adopt it.

MoU coverage: 33 of the 37 State/UT Legislatures have signed MoUs to implement NeVA.
Digital houses: 21 Legislative Houses have been transformed into digital Legislatures, including two Councils (Bihar and Uttar Pradesh).
Central assistance: Central financial assistance of ₹138.17 crore has been disbursed to these Houses.
Language tools: Public portals have BHASHINI AI translation into the 22 Scheduled Languages and English.
Hosting and security: NeVA is hosted on NIC Meghraj 2.0 cloud, with a Disaster Recovery site, security audits and two-factor login.
Nodal ministry: NeVA is implemented by the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs.
Adoption: 33 of 37 State/UT Legislatures have signed MoUs for NeVA.
Funding: Funded on the CSS pattern; total outlay Rs 673.94 crore, Centre's share limited to Rs 423.60 crore.
Technical support: The Central Project Management Unit (CPMU) gives technical support and capacity building to Legislatures.

Don’t confuse with NeVA vs Digital Sansad: NeVA serves State/UT Legislatures. Digital Sansad is the Parliament's own digital platform.

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 Parliamentary Affairs, 5 Aug, 15:51 IST · Release 292777

Issue page →

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

Law and statutory body

POCSO Act, 2012

GS2 Polity - Child Protection LawsPrelims and Mains

Why in news: On 5 August 2026, the Women and Child Development Ministry told the Rajya Sabha about the legal and institutional framework against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, built on the POCSO Act, the BNS, the IT Act and the IT Rules.
What it is: The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 is a special law that protects children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and child pornography. Its provisions also cover online and electronic forms of abuse. It works alongside the IT Act, 2000 and the IT Rules, 2021, which place duties on online intermediaries.

Section 12 POCSO: Punishes sexual harassment of a child (defined in Section 11), including through online means such as showing pornography or repeatedly contacting a child with sexual intent.
Section 14 POCSO: Punishes use of a child for pornographic purposes: at least five years and fine for a first offence, at least seven years and fine for a repeat conviction.
Section 15 POCSO: Gives graded punishment for storing or possessing child pornographic material, including failing to delete, destroy or report it.
IT Rules, 2021 takedown time: Under Rule 3(2)(b), intermediaries must remove or disable access within two hours of a complaint about nudity, sexual acts or morphed intimate images.
Sahyog Portal: Speeds up notices to IT intermediaries under Section 79(3)(b) of the IT Act, 2000 for removal of unlawful content, including CSEAM.
NCPCR: A statutory body under the Ministry of Women and Child Development; it coordinates with I4C and MeitY on online child abuse.

Don’t confuse with POCSO Act vs IT Act: POCSO deals with sexual offences against children, including child pornography. The IT Act covers wider cyber offences and the duties of intermediaries.

Don’t confuse with NCPCR vs I4C: NCPCR is a child rights commission under the Women and Child Development Ministry. I4C is a cybercrime coordination centre under the Home Ministry.

No practice question for this one; the card may still help an answer. Why: POCSO sections 11-15 on online abuse; laws are 7% of Prelims news questions, but this is a restatement of existing provisions.

Source: PIB, Ministry of Women and Child Development, 5 Aug, 16:13 IST · Release 292785

Issue page →

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

Quick facts

Antariksh Venture Capital Fund is a SEBI-registered Category II AIF set up by IN-SPACe to give equity capital to space-tech start-ups.
WHO SEARN, set up in 2016 by WHO SEARO, recognised India's Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission as a regional centre of excellence in pharmacovigilance.
Pawan Hans signed a non-binding MoU with Norway's Noemi Aerospace (Elfly AS) to explore electric seaplane technologies.
Letters of Intent were awarded for 11 new Flying Training Organisations; 41 FTOs now operate from 63 bases.

Source: PIB, 5 Aug

What we left out: 86 of 102 releases

Routine data releases (2)
Ceremonies and campaigns (10)
Routine seizures (2)
Speeches without a decision (3)
Same issue as another release (10)
Routine parliament replies (34)
Same issue as filed topic, routine data (1)
Same issue as filed topic (15)
Routine consultations (1)
Routine dispute settlement (1)
Routine enforcement action (1)
Routine infrastructure projects (1)
Routine research news (1)
Other releases (4)

Practise the day’s news

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

1Nuclear Energy Mission, Small Modular Reactors and SHANTI ActMCQ · 21 true or false · Mains
2EWS Reservation (103rd Constitutional Amendment)MCQ · 5 true or false · Mains
3Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) and Three-Stage Nuclear ProgrammeMCQ · 42 true or false · Mains
4National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)MCQ · 6 true or false

Mains question of the day

15 marks · 250 words

In a written reply in the Lok Sabha on 5 August 2026, the government outlined progress on indigenous Small Modular Reactors under the Nuclear Energy Mission and the SHANTI Act, 2025. Examine the key provisions of the SHANTI Act, 2025 and discuss the challenges in achieving the goal of 100 GWe nuclear capacity by 2047.

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

Write and get it marked

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