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58 topics

26 July 2026

11 topics really matter today — about 14 minutes. The full edition is 58 topics and 89 questions, roughly 58 minutes.

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8/10

Protests over Ken-Betwa river-linking project

  • Ken-Betwa Link Project (KBLP) is the first of 30 projects under the National Perspective Plan (NPP) formulated in 1980.
  • NPP components: Himalayan Rivers Development (14 links) and Peninsular Rivers Development (16 links).

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims · 9-day story

8/10

Great Nicobar Island Project controversy

  • The Great Nicobar Island Project involves a total area of 166 sq. km.
  • Key components of the project include a trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay, a dual-purpose airport, and infrastructure for cruise tourism, casinos, theme parks, and a finance hub.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims · 7-day story

8/10

Investigations into examination paper leaks

  • Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 proposed to strengthen the 2024 Act.
  • Key provisions include mandatory 60-day investigation deadlines and establishment of Special Fast Track Courts.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims

7/10

Miscellaneous columns and literary reflections

  • India Employment Report 2024: Youth constitute approximately 80% of the total unemployed population in India.
  • Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana data: Only 15% of trainees secured employment over the last decade.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims

7/10

Methane emissions from rice fields

  • Paddy fields are a major source of methane, with global GHG emissions from rice cultivation increasing by 90.4% between 1961-1980 and 2011-2020.
  • Emissions are driven by loss of soil organic carbon and methane-producing microbes that thrive in flooded, low-oxygen conditions.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims

7/10

Common customer identification system for banks and insurers

  • India is launching a common customer identification system, Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC), in August.
  • The system enables banks and insurers to fetch customer data from a central registry upon user consent, eliminating the need for repeated document submission.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

7/10

Criticism of RSS and BJP on Constitution

  • The basic structure doctrine is a judicially administered standard rather than a fixed code.
  • The effectiveness of the basic structure doctrine is contingent upon the independence, character, and capability of the judiciary to resist executive pressure.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

7/10

Resistance to mega data centre projects

  • Mega data centre projects in Andhra Pradesh (Visakhapatnam/Anakapalli) and Maharashtra (Thane) are facing significant public opposition.
  • Andhra Pradesh project: 601 acres allotted for a 1GW AI data centre hub by Raiden Infotech (Google) with Adani Infra/AdaniConneX as partners.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 5-day story

7/10

Cauvery water dispute and Karnataka-Tamil Nadu talks

  • The Cauvery water dispute involves long-standing disagreements between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka regarding water sharing and infrastructure projects.
  • Tamil Nadu maintains that the Mekedatu dam proposal by Karnataka violates the Supreme Court's final verdict on the Cauvery water dispute.

1 min · 2 questions · 0 prelims · 26-day story

7/10

Tabling of CAG reports in West Bengal Assembly

  • The Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) is a constitutional authority responsible for auditing government accounts and ensuring financial accountability.
  • 28 pending CAG reports covering fiscal years 2020-21 to 2024-25 were tabled in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

7/10

U.S. tariffs on Indian exports

  • The U.S. has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from 17 economies, including India, following an investigation into forced labour in supply chains.
  • Approximately 45% of India's exports to the U.S. are exempt from the new 10% tariff.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims · 15-day story

6/10

U.S. Senate bill on H-1B visas

  • A new U.S. Senate bill, the 'End H-1B Abuse Act', proposes a three-year moratorium on the issuance of new H-1B visas.
  • The bill seeks to codify a $100,000 fee for new H-1B visas, a measure previously struck down by a federal court.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

6/10

IRDAI timelines for insurance complaints

  • IRDAI has mandated strict timelines for insurers to submit documents to Insurance Ombudsmen to prevent delays in grievance redressal.
  • Insurers must submit a self-contained note (SCN) and supporting documents within seven days of receiving notice from the Ombudsman.

1 min · 1 questions · 2 prelims

6/10

Kerala Waqf Board appointments controversy

  • The Waqf Act mandates the inclusion of two non-Muslim members and one Shia member in the composition of the State Waqf Boards.
  • The Kerala Waqf Board appointment controversy centers on the implementation of these statutory provisions regarding the inclusion of non-Muslim members.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 7-day story

6/10

Revanth Reddy's proposal to lower election age

  • Telangana government plans to introduce a resolution in the State Assembly to urge the Union government to amend the Constitution.
  • The proposed amendment seeks to lower the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assembly elections from 25 to 21 years.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 5-day story

6/10

Inscription of Sarnath on UNESCO World Heritage List

  • Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
  • The decision was finalized during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee held in Busan, South Korea.

1 min · 1 questions · 2 prelims

6/10

Centre's rejection of Metro Rail for Coimbatore and Madurai

  • The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has rejected proposals for Metro Rail projects in Coimbatore and Madurai for the second time.
  • The Centre suggests the implementation of Bus Rapid Transit Systems (BRTS) as a more suitable alternative for these cities.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

6/10

Resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and end of student protests

  • Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned following 36 days of student protests at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi, over recurring paper leaks in public examinations.
  • The government appointed Pralhad Joshi as the new Union Education Minister.

2 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

5/10

Houthi missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia

  • Houthi rebels launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabian Aramco facilities in Yanbu and Jizan.
  • The attacks were stated as a retaliatory measure against Saudi-led coalition airstrikes in Hodeida, Yemen.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 10-day story

5/10

Saudi-U.S. civil nuclear cooperation agreement

  • U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement and a bilateral nuclear safeguards agreement on July 22.
  • The agreement facilitates the transfer of civil nuclear materials, technology, and equipment to Saudi Arabia.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

5/10

AI tool for protein and DNA editing

  • Researchers have developed a new tool named ContactSeek to improve the precision of DNA base editing.
  • Base editing is a gene therapy technique that can suffer from off-target effects, where unintended parts of DNA are modified.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 3-day story

5/10

Impact of invasive species on Global South

  • Invasive species cause more severe environmental damage in the Global South compared to wealthier nations.
  • Previous assumptions that the Global North faced higher threats were based on reporting bias, as wealthier nations conduct more frequent studies.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

5/10

ONGC deepwater drilling in Mahanadi basin

  • ONGC has commenced drilling its first deepwater exploratory well, designated MN-DW18-1-H-D, in the Mahanadi offshore basin.
  • The drilling activity is located approximately 23 nautical miles from the Konark discovery off the Odisha coast.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 4-day story

5/10

Monsoon impact in Jammu and Kashmir

  • Jammu and Kashmir experienced intense monsoon rainfall between July 17 and July 24, leading to landslides, flash floods, and urban waterlogging.
  • The India Meteorological Department (IMD) reported that Kashmir received 324.94% more rainfall than the normal average between July 17 and July 23.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 3-day story

5/10

Hate speech case against C.T. Ravi

  • An FIR has been registered against a public representative in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, for alleged hate speech.
  • The case was filed under Section 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

5/10

Proposal for dry ports in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana

  • Union Ministry of Ports and Shipping is evaluating proposals for new dry ports in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  • Sri City (Tirupati district, Andhra Pradesh) and Chityala (Nalgonda, Telangana) are currently under active consideration by an Inter-Ministerial Committee under Customs.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

5/10

Chandipura virus alert in Rajasthan

  • Rajasthan health department has initiated heightened surveillance and vector-control measures in Dungarpur and Sirohi districts.
  • The alert follows the death of two children (aged 6 and 2) from Rajasthan who tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV) while being treated in Gujarat.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

5/10

Rajnath Singh on security challenges in J&K

  • Defence Minister visited Srinagar and Drass (Ladakh) to review security in J&K and commemorate the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas.
  • The government maintains that proxy war remains a persistent security challenge in the region.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 15-day story

5/10

Gujarat flood situation

  • Death toll from recent rain-related incidents in Gujarat reached 35, primarily due to drowning or being swept away by currents.
  • Worst-affected districts include Navsari and Valsad, which accounted for 29 of the total fatalities.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

5/10

Gut microbiome study in India

  • A three-year study published in 'Gut Microbes' provides the first reference database of the gut microbiome across South Asia.
  • The study sampled 575 adults from 10 communities across India and Sri Lanka to compare rural versus urban gut bacteria.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

5/10

FIR against Piyush Goyal deepfake video

  • Union Minister filed an FIR at Chanakyapuri police station regarding an AI-generated deepfake video.
  • The video allegedly manipulated remarks made to the media to spread misinformation.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 10-day story

5/10

Landslide in Sikkim's Namchi district

  • Recent incidents in Namchi district, Sikkim, include a landslide killing 2 workers and a separate tunnel explosion at the Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
  • The Teesta Stage VI tunnel explosion resulted in 25 fatalities, attributed to the sudden release of methane gas trapped in rock formations.

2 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims · 4-day story

5/10

Assam flood relief efforts

  • Assam is currently experiencing flood conditions with ongoing relief operations.
  • Union government has assured full support to the state administration for disaster management.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 18-day story

4/10

Escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict

  • Escalation in Russia-Ukraine conflict: Recent tit-for-tat strikes reported in Zaporizhzhia and Sumy regions.
  • Casualties: 11 killed in Zaporizhzhia (including 4 children) following Ukrainian strikes on holiday camps; 3 killed in Sumy following a Russian drone strike on a civilian facility.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 16-day story

4/10

Extension of UN rights chief mandate

  • The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) has extended the mandate of Volker Turk as the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights for a period of four years.
  • Volker Turk has held the position of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights since October 2022.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Typhoon Noul in southern China

  • Typhoon Noul is approaching the southern coast of China.
  • Authorities have evacuated over 3,40,000 people in anticipation of the storm.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Venezuela's withdrawal from ICC

  • Venezuela has formally notified the United Nations of its decision to withdraw from the International Criminal Court (ICC).
  • The decision is described by the Venezuelan government as irrevocable.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Wildfires in Spain and France

  • Severe wildfires in Spain and France have necessitated the evacuation of over 2,60,000 people.
  • France conducted a massive evacuation of 1,97,000 people near Bordeaux, involving military mobilization to support firefighting efforts.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 7-day story

4/10

Discovery of ancient Himalayan people in Ladakh

  • A study in Science Advances analyzed genome-wide data from 10 individuals found in a Kargil cave, dating back approximately 1,500 years.
  • Genetic analysis reveals the individuals were a mix of populations: 50% proxied by present-day North Indians and 50% closer to ancient Tibetans.

2 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims

4/10

Discovery of moon beyond solar system

  • Astronomers have identified the first potential exomoon (moon outside the solar system) orbiting a brown dwarf named CD-35 2722 B.
  • The brown dwarf itself orbits a star.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Zoopharmacognosy in orangutans

  • Zoopharmacognosy is the study of animal self-medication using plants, roots, and fruits.
  • Orangutans in the Sebangu forest (Indonesia) apply a mixture of saliva and Dracaena leaves to their bodies to relieve muscle pain and joint discomfort.

1 min · 2 questions · 2 prelims

4/10

BNP Paribas Cardif stake acquisition in Indiafirst Life

  • BNP Paribas Cardif is acquiring a 26% stake in IndiaFirst Life from private equity firm Warburg Pincus.
  • Post-acquisition shareholding structure: Bank of Baroda (65%), Union Bank of India (9%), and BNP Paribas Cardif (26%).

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Bluevine expansion into Indian market

  • Bluevine, a U.S.-based digital business banking platform, is targeting Indian small businesses expanding into the U.S. market.
  • The business model focuses on providing U.S. bank accounts to Indian firms that establish U.S. entities and generate revenue there.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

PhonePe financial performance

  • PhonePe reported a consolidated revenue from operations of ₹7,920 crore for FY26.
  • The revenue figure represents an 11.47% growth (an increase of ₹815 crore) compared to the previous fiscal year.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

NTPC fund raising through NCDs

  • NTPC board approved raising up to ₹12,000 crore via Non-Convertible Debentures (NCDs).
  • Issuance will occur through private placement in the domestic market in one or more tranches.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Pet wellness industry growth

  • The Indian pet care industry is experiencing significant growth, projected to expand from ₹30,434 crore in 2024 to ₹2.1 lakh crore by 2032 (IBEF data).
  • The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the industry, with 76 pet startups launched in 2021 alone.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Holiday membership fraud in Hyderabad

  • Gachibowli police arrested 15 individuals associated with 'The Pacific Holiday World' for a holiday membership fraud.
  • The entity was registered as 4R Seasons Holidays Private Limited, based in New Delhi.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

SDM jails delivery agent in Panna

  • Incident in Panna, Madhya Pradesh: A Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) ordered the detention of a delivery executive following a dispute over the contents of an online parcel.
  • The delivery executive was detained on July 21 and released on bail on July 22.

1 min · 1 questions · 0 prelims

4/10

Drone usage in tea plantations in Kerala

  • Harrisons Malayalam Limited (HML) has initiated drone-based transport for green tea leaves at Lockhart Estate, Idukki, Kerala.
  • The initiative is a collaboration with technology partner Tropoworks.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Revival of Punyam Poonkavanam project at Sabarimala

  • Punyam Poonkavanam is a community-based initiative launched in 2011 to maintain cleanliness in the Sabarimala pilgrimage zone, including Sannidhanam and Pampa.
  • The project relies on the voluntary participation of devotees, the Travancore Devaswom Board, and various stakeholders.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Arrest of terror module operatives in Assam

  • Assam Police Special Task Force (STF) arrested three individuals linked to a Pakistan-based terror network.
  • The operation was conducted in coordination with district police from Dhubri, Chirang, and Barpeta.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Deportation of fugitive gangster from Jakarta

  • Punjab Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF) secured the deportation of a fugitive gangster from Jakarta, Indonesia.
  • The operation, titled 'Operation Nomad Hunt', lasted six months and involved intelligence-led international coordination.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims

4/10

Resumption of Amarnath Yatra

  • Amarnath Yatra resumed from the Baltal Axis in central Kashmir after a six-day suspension due to inclement weather.
  • The pilgrimage also resumed at the Mata Vaishno Devi temple in Jammu.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 15-day story

4/10

RSS chief on family-youth dialogue

  • Changing dynamics in intergenerational relationships within Indian families.
  • Shift from authoritative parenting (obedience-based) to dialogue-based parenting (consensus-based).

1 min · 1 questions · 0 prelims · 5-day story

4/10

Bihar development projects

  • Bihar government inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for 2,476 development projects.
  • Total financial outlay for these projects is ₹11,464 crore.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

4/10

Protests against demolition notices at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University

  • Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, Rampur, established 2006 via State Legislature Act.
  • Rampur Development Authority (RDA) issued demolition notices for 38 of 40 campus buildings citing lack of approved construction plans.

1 min · 2 questions · 1 prelims · 7-day story

4/10

Haryana electoral roll revision

  • Haryana completed the first phase of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
  • Draft electoral rolls are scheduled for publication on July 31, accessible via the official website and designated publication centres.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 2-day story

4/10

Demolition of illegal building in Lucknow

  • Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) initiated the demolition of a four-storey building following a fire incident that resulted in 15 fatalities.
  • The building was originally sanctioned as a residential structure with a basement and two floors.

1 min · 1 questions · 1 prelims · 10-day story

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