Current affairs for UPSC
Daily notes mapped to syllabus topics, with “Asked before” PYQs and original practice MCQs.
GS3 · Energy securityThe Union Cabinet approved Samudra Manthan, the National Offshore Exploration Scheme, on 31 July 2026. It is a Central Sector Scheme of the Petroleum Ministry with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore up to FY 2030-31. It pays for seismic surveys, 60 deepwater wells, shared offshore infrastructure and a manufacturing zone. The aim: add over 600 MMTOE of reserves.
UPSC angle: Prelims: OALP; sedimentary basins. · Mains: Energy security strategy.
31 Jul 2026GS3 · Space scienceA study led by scientists from ARIES, an institute under the Department of Science and Technology, found that the Sun's atmosphere spins faster than its visible surface, the Science Ministry said on 30 July 2026. The speed rises with height above the surface and dips slightly when sunspots increase. The findings should improve space weather models.
UPSC angle: Prelims: differential rotation; L1.
30 Jul 2026GS3 · EconomyIndia rose 25 places, from 82nd to 57th, in global rankings of structural and pro-competitive reforms between 2010 and 2023, says a Competere Foundation report released on 30 July 2026. It uses a Market Distortions Performance Index. The report credits reforms such as GST, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code and modern trade facilitation.
UPSC angle: Prelims: CCI; Competition Act.
30 Jul 2026GS2 · PolityThe Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 gives the National Song, Vande Mataram, the same legal protection as the National Anthem, a PIB backgrounder said on 30 July 2026. It amends Section 3 of the 1971 Act. Intentionally stopping the song, or disturbing people singing it, could bring up to three years in jail.
UPSC angle: Prelims: 1971 Act; national symbols.
30 Jul 2026GS3 · Insurance, shippingThe Department of Financial Services launched India's first sovereign-backed Protection and Indemnity (P&I) insurance product under the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool on 30 July 2026. Designed by New India Assurance, it covers third-party liabilities up to USD 1.5 billion. Since May, BMIP has issued 1608 war risk policies and cut premiums by about 35 to 40 per cent.
UPSC angle: Prelims: P&I insurance.
30 Jul 2026GS2 · Social justiceCases registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 for crimes against Scheduled Castes rose from 45,995 in 2020 to a five-year high of 53,372 in 2023, the Social Justice Ministry told Rajya Sabha on 30 July 2026. Cases eased to 48,669 in 2024. Convictions rose to 5,192 in 2024, but trials pending kept rising.
UPSC angle: Mains: Effectiveness of the Atrocities Act.
30 Jul 2026GS3 · GroundwaterAtal Bhujal Yojana, a community-led groundwater management scheme, ran as a pilot in 8,203 water-stressed gram panchayats of seven States from 1 April 2020 to 15 October 2025, the Jal Shakti Ministry told Lok Sabha on 30 July 2026. Assessments from 2023 to 2025 found groundwater levels improved in 180 of the 229 blocks covered.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Atal Bhujal States.
30 Jul 2026GS1 · Ancient historyA pollen study by the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences links the shrinking of the Harappan Civilization to a weak Indian Summer Monsoon between about 5100 and 4000 years before present, the Science Ministry said on 29 July 2026. Sediments from Deoria Tal in the Garhwal Himalaya show an abrupt dry spell, the "4.2 ka event".
UPSC angle: Prelims: IVC decline theories.
29 Jul 2026GS3 · Internal securityNo district in India is now classified as affected by Left Wing Extremism, the Home Ministry told Rajya Sabha on 29 July 2026. Affected districts fell from 126 to 90 in April 2018, 70 in 2021, 38 in 2024, eight in December 2025 and zero by March-April 2026. Thirty-seven Legacy and Thrust districts still get security and development support.
UPSC angle: Prelims: Seventh Schedule: police.
29 Jul 2026GS3 · DefenceMachilipatnam (BY 529), the seventh of eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being built by Cochin Shipyard Limited for the Indian Navy, was launched on 29 July 2026, the Defence Ministry said. It is equipped for underwater surveillance, anti-submarine warfare, low intensity maritime operations and mine warfare. Indigenous content exceeds 80 per cent.
UPSC angle: Prelims: ships in news.
29 Jul 2026 
