At least three people were killed and five reported missing when a massive heap of excavated mud swamped an under-construction tunnel road portal in Wayanad, Kerala. Emergency responders rescued 10 people. Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced an investigation, stating that the contractor, Dilip Buildcon Limited, ignored district administration warnings to clear "precariously piled" earth, leading to the tragedy amid heavy rain. The incident is termed a "man-made disaster" due to human error and negligence, raising concerns about safety at national highway construction sites.
A debris slip at an under-construction tunnel in Wayanad, Kerala, resulted in three deaths and five missing persons.
The Chief Minister ordered an investigation, attributing the tragedy to the contractor's failure to remove excavated mud despite warnings.
The incident highlights concerns regarding safety protocols and unscientific dumping of excavated soil at national highway construction sites.
Exam Points
Incident occurred at an under-construction tunnel road in Wayanad district, Kerala.
Three workers identified as Chandra Bahn (Madhya Pradesh), Bikash Kumar (Bihar), and Anmol (Jharkhand) were killed.
The contractor firm involved is Dilip Buildcon Limited, contracted by Konkan Railway Corporation Limited.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Jakarta, Indonesia, reiterated India's support for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, emphasizing the role of dialogue and diplomacy in global turbulence. This stance was part of a joint statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto, expressing "deep concern" over the West Asia war. The leaders also signed 14 agreements, including defense deals for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles and Astra Mk-1 air-to-air missiles for Indonesia, and discussed deepening cooperation on globally important issues.
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India's commitment to a two-state solution for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The statement was made during his three-nation tour, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy.
India and Indonesia signed 14 agreements, including significant defense deals.
Exam Points
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was on a three-nation tour, starting in Jakarta, Indonesia.
He met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto.
India supports a "two-state solution" for the Israel-Palestine conflict.
An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, travelling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz, was struck by a projectile and caught fire. The British military confirmed the attack, the latest in a series targeting vessels in the narrow Persian Gulf mouth. Iranian state television implied Tehran carried out the assault after the tanker ignored warnings, though no official claim was made. Qatar condemned the attack as an "unacceptable" violation of international law and energy security. This incident escalates tensions, especially as talks between Iran and the U.S. were on hold, and highlights the precariousness of global energy supply routes.
An LNG tanker, Al Rekayyat, was struck by a projectile and caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman.
The incident is part of a series of attacks targeting vessels in the region, raising global energy security concerns.
Iranian state television implied Tehran's involvement, while Qatar condemned the attack as a violation of international law.
Exam Points
The incident involved LNG tanker "Al Rekayyat" off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz.
UKMTO Centre reported three tankers hit in the strait in 24 hours.
Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari called the attack a "serious violation" of international law.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched two green initiatives in Delhi: the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to plant 70 lakh saplings with residents, and a plan to plant over 1 crore saplings across 6,300 hectares of the Ridge. The Ridge will be developed into a forest area over four years, replacing invasive trees with native species like peepal, banyan, neem, and jamun. The initiative also includes developing 70 ponds and preserving archaeological structures. CM Rekha Gupta noted that 5,000 hectares of the Ridge have already been notified as reserved forests, aiming to revive its biodiversity and environment.
Delhi's Ridge will undergo a major rejuvenation project involving planting over 1 crore saplings and receiving legal protection.
The initiative aims to transform the Ridge into a forest area by replacing invasive trees with native species and developing water bodies.
The project is a collaborative effort between the Union and Delhi governments to enhance the city's green cover and biodiversity.
Exam Points
Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the initiatives.
The project aims to plant over 1 crore saplings across 6,300 hectares of the Ridge.
5,000 hectares of the Ridge have been notified as reserved forests.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah flagged off 300 new electric buses in Delhi, comprising 195 nine-metre DEVi buses and 105 regular 12-metre buses. He also laid the foundation stone for a high-security prison in Narela, estimated to cost over ₹100 crore. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta highlighted that these zero-emission buses would significantly improve Delhi's air quality, reduce carbon emissions, and provide a quieter, more comfortable travel experience for citizens. Three new bus depots were inaugurated at Narela, Rithala, and Kohat Enclave to support the expanded fleet.
Delhi's public transport system was augmented with 300 new electric buses to improve air quality and reduce emissions.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the new buses and laid the foundation stone for a new prison.
The new fleet includes both nine-metre DEVi buses and 12-metre regular buses.
Exam Points
300 new electric buses were flagged off in Delhi.
The fleet includes 195 nine-metre DEVi buses and 105 regular 12-metre buses.
Foundation stone laid for a high-security prison in Narela (cost over ₹100 crore).
The Centre plans to refer the Diljit Dosanjh-starrer film 'Satluj' to an Inter-Departmental Committee under the IT Rules 2021 for detailed examination. This decision comes two days after streaming platform ZEE5 was directed to remove the film due to "security concerns." The movie, which depicts the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the turbulent 1990s in Punjab, had been stuck with censors for over three years before its uncut release on ZEE5 on July 3, and subsequent removal on July 5.
The film 'Satluj', starring Diljit Dosanjh, is being referred to an Inter-Departmental Committee under IT Rules 2021.
The referral follows ZEE5's removal of the film due to "security concerns" after its release.
The film is based on the life of activist Jaswant Singh Khalra during the 1990s Punjab terrorism era.
Exam Points
Film: 'Satluj', starring Diljit Dosanjh.
Referred to an Inter-Departmental Committee constituted under the IT Rules 2021.
Streaming platform ZEE5 was directed to take down the film.
The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) has set a December 2026 target to make National Highway-37 "comfortably motorable." NH-37, connecting Imphal to Silchar, gained strategic importance during the Kuki-Meitei ethnic conflict as a safer alternative to NH-2. The ₹1,300-crore project, sanctioned in 2022, aims to widen and upgrade 203 km of the highway, including fortifying landslide-prone areas and replacing old bridges. Despite challenges like land disputes and recurring damage during monsoons, the project is 85-90% complete, significantly reducing travel time.
NHIDCL aims to complete the upgrade of National Highway-37 in Manipur by December 2026, making it fully motorable.
NH-37 serves as a crucial lifeline connecting Imphal to Silchar, gaining strategic importance during ethnic conflicts.
The ₹1,300-crore project involves widening, fortifying landslide areas, and replacing bridges along 203 km of the highway.
Exam Points
National Highway-37 connects Imphal (Manipur) to Silchar (Assam).
Target completion date for NH-37 upgrade: December 2026.
The Gujarat High Court upheld the death sentences for 38 members of the banned Indian Mujahideen and life imprisonment for 11 others in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case. This verdict comes nearly four years after a special court convicted 49 people. The court also directed the State government to provide ₹10 lakh compensation to the next of kin of those killed and ₹5 lakh to those grievously injured, to be disbursed before March 30, 2027. The 2008 blasts involved 21 serial explosions across Ahmedabad, killing 56 and injuring over 200, notably targeting hospitals, a first in India.
The Gujarat High Court confirmed death sentences for 38 convicts and life imprisonment for 11 in the 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts case.
The convicts were members of the banned Indian Mujahideen.
The court mandated compensation for victims: ₹10 lakh for fatalities and ₹5 lakh for grievous injuries.
Exam Points
Case: 2008 Ahmedabad serial blasts.
Gujarat High Court upheld death sentences for 38 and life imprisonment for 11.
Convicts were members of the banned Indian Mujahideen.
India's Ministry of Cooperation, completing five years, is spearheading a transformation of the cooperative sector into a worker-centric model of development. Traditionally confined to agriculture, cooperatives are now expanding into services, aiming for policy coherence across various sectors. Through reformed legal frameworks, Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are empowered to undertake over 25 business activities, fostering rural economic services. The Ministry is facilitating national-level multi-State cooperative societies to enhance market access and strengthen value chains, with a new National Cooperation Policy in the making, despite challenges like corruption and the need to balance consolidation with decentralisation.
The Ministry of Cooperation is working to transform India's cooperative sector into a worker-centric development model.
Cooperatives are expanding beyond agriculture into services, with policy coherence across various sectors.
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are being empowered to undertake diverse business activities in rural India.
Exam Points
Ministry of Cooperation completed five years on July 6.
Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) are empowered to undertake over 25 business activities.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah holds the Cooperation portfolio.
Following the resolution of the West Asian crisis and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, India's economic prospects for 2026-27 are being re-evaluated. Crude oil prices are expected to normalise, positively impacting India's fiscal position. While GDP growth for 2025-26 was strong at 7.7%, 2026-27 faces challenges from first-quarter crude disruptions and a 10% rainfall shortfall due to El Niño, potentially affecting agricultural output. The RBI projects 6.6% real GDP growth for 2026-27. India's petroleum economy shows increasing import dependence but also growing refining capacity and energy efficiency, necessitating strategic reserves and diversification.
The resolution of the West Asian crisis and normalisation of crude oil prices will influence India's economic outlook for 2026-27.
Challenges for 2026-27 include initial crude supply disruptions and a significant rainfall deficit due to El Niño, impacting agriculture.
India's petroleum economy is characterized by high import dependence, growing refining capacity, and improved energy efficiency.
Exam Points
National Statistical Office's provisional GDP growth for 2025-26: 7.7%.
RBI projected real GDP growth for 2026-27: 6.6%.
India Meteorological Department estimated a 10% rainfall shortfall for 2026-27 due to El Niño.
India-Australia relations, now a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, have evolved beyond the traditional "Commonwealth, Cricket, and Curry" to encompass "Democracy, Diaspora, and Dosti," and increasingly, "Development and Defence." Bilateral economic cooperation is thriving, with Indian exports gaining duty-free access and a shared ambition to raise trade to $100 billion by 2030. Defence cooperation is rapidly growing, marked by high-level exchanges and joint military exercises. The partnership also extends to energy, education, and innovation, with collaborations in renewable energy, critical minerals, and educational exchanges, contributing to a robust multilateral framework in the Indo-Pacific.
India-Australia relations have expanded significantly, moving beyond traditional cultural ties to strategic cooperation in development and defense.
Bilateral trade and investment are growing, with a target of $100 billion by 2030, facilitated by agreements like ECTA.
Defence cooperation is robust, featuring regular high-level dialogues and joint military exercises, particularly in the maritime domain.
Exam Points
India-Australia relationship is a "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership."
Bilateral trade target: $100 billion by 2030 (from $33 billion in 2025).
Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) provides duty-free access for Indian exports.
New research suggests a deep connection between rising female labour force participation and improved healthcare outcomes in India. A study, using a natural experiment from India's 2018 Employees' Provident Fund reform, found that female-led households benefiting from increased take-home salary reduced overall healthcare expenditure by 11.6%. This reduction was due to decreased spending on medicines and doctor consultations, offset by increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness. The findings indicate that women, with greater economic agency, prioritise preventive health and long-term well-being, shifting household spending towards health creation rather than just healthcare purchase, thereby reducing future dependence on the healthcare system.
Increased female income is linked to a shift in household spending towards preventive healthcare and long-term well-being.
Female-led households, with higher take-home salaries, showed reduced expenditure on medicines and doctor consultations.
These households increased investments in nutrition and physical fitness, indicating a proactive approach to health.
Exam Points
Research published in Oxford Open Economics journal.
Study used India's 2018 Employees' Provident Fund reform as a natural experiment.
Female-led households reduced overall healthcare expenditure by roughly 11.6%.
India's Electric Vehicle (EV) transition, while showing growth in new sales, needs a comprehensive retrofitment framework to address the existing pool of over 30 crore Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. Retrofitting, which converts ICE vehicles to EVs, aligns with India's cultural ethos of repair and reuse, making EV adoption more affordable and democratic. It reduces waste, extends asset life, and supports a circular mobility economy. A strong retrofit ecosystem can also generate decentralised employment. The article calls for standardised policies across States, formal recognition of retrofitted vehicles for financing, robust certification, rationalised GST, and public availability of retrofitment data.
India's EV transition needs to incorporate retrofitment to convert existing ICE vehicles, not just focus on new EV sales.
Retrofitment offers an affordable and democratic pathway to EV adoption, aligning with India's cultural values of reuse and repair.
It contributes to a circular mobility economy by reducing waste and extending the lifespan of vehicles.
Exam Points
EVs account for 8.5% of total new vehicle sales in India in FY25-26.
Over 30 crore ICE vehicles are currently on Indian roads.
Madhya Pradesh has taken steps towards a favourable retrofitment ecosystem.
For the first time since 1931, India's Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a decision announced by the BJP-led NDA government in April 2025. The ongoing pre-test for the second phase of the Census, conducted in 16 States and Union Territories, features an "open column" for respondents to record their castes. This methodology, similar to the 2011 Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) which resulted in over 46 lakh different caste names, raises concerns about data accuracy and the need for wider consultations. The final methodology will be determined based on feedback from the pre-test, which is on till July 20, 2026.
The Population Census 2027 will include caste enumeration, a significant policy shift after decades.
The ongoing pre-test for the Census uses an "open column" for caste recording, similar to the 2011 SECC.
Concerns exist regarding the accuracy and standardisation of caste data due to the open-ended methodology.
Exam Points
Caste enumeration will be part of Population Census 2027.
Last caste-wise population data collected was in 1931.
BJP-led NDA government announced the decision on April 30, 2025.
The government lifted emergency curbs on natural gas supply, imposed during the West Asia crisis in March, citing "ceasefire and negotiations" and the resumption of "sea traffic through the Strait of Hormuz." This move, amending the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, restores gas supplies to fertilizer plants, refineries, distributors, and industrial users. It will particularly benefit industrial and commercial users, city gas distributors, and the ceramic sector, which faced significant curtailment. Fertilizer plants, major consumers of LNG, will also see improved supply, crucial for the agricultural input chain. The decision underscores India's efforts to diversify energy sources and strengthen energy resilience.
Emergency curbs on natural gas supply, imposed during the West Asia crisis, have been lifted due to improved geopolitical conditions.
The lifting of restrictions will restore gas supplies to various sectors, including fertilizer plants, refineries, and industrial users.
Industrial and commercial users, city gas distributors, and the ceramic sector are expected to be the biggest beneficiaries.
Exam Points
Emergency curbs on natural gas supply were lifted on July 4, 2026.
The Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026, was amended.
Fertilizer plants consume nearly 30% of India's natural gas.
Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh reached an agreement on Tuesday to settle long-standing pending payment issues related to the Sardar Sarovar Project. The agreement, signed in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil, resolves the cost-sharing arrangements through a one-time settlement. Mr. Shah highlighted that the completion of the dam has ensured water and electricity supply to all four States, transforming the value of land and farmers' fortunes in beneficiary areas. This resolution follows recent progress in other inter-State water-sharing disputes, such as the Yamuna Water Project and Kishau Dam project.
Four States (Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh) settled pending payment issues for the Sardar Sarovar Project.
The agreement resolves cost-sharing arrangements through a one-time settlement.
The project has ensured water and electricity supply, benefiting farmers and land value in the region.
Exam Points
States involved: Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Project: Sardar Sarovar Project.
Agreement signed in presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Union Minister of Jal Shakti C.R. Patil.
A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the E20 petrol roll-out, claiming "silent compulsion" and seeking full disclosure on its chemical composition, safeguards, and compatibility consequences for legacy vehicles. Petitioner Narendra Kumar Goswami argued that the right to know a product's composition is a constitutional requirement, not just a consumer slogan. He highlighted that ethanol is hygroscopic, affects fuel-system materials, and has lower energy density, impacting fuel efficiency and vehicle health. The plea seeks an independent expert committee to examine "real-world E20 compatibility" and asserts that a welfare policy cannot be implemented by keeping citizens in the dark about what they are buying.
A Supreme Court petition challenges the E20 petrol roll-out, citing "silent compulsion" and demanding full disclosure of its composition and compatibility.
The petitioner argues that citizens have a constitutional right to know the effects of products, especially those mandated by the state.
Concerns were raised about ethanol's hygroscopic nature, its impact on fuel systems, and its lower energy density affecting vehicle performance.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that the minimum age of marriage prescribed under the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006, applies uniformly to all citizens, irrespective of religion. The court stated that the Muslim personal law principle recognizing puberty as the age of marriage cannot override Central law provisions. This judgment was made while hearing a petition to quash an FIR related to the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl. The Bench emphasized that permitting marriage below 18 years would be inconsistent with the POCSO Act, 2012, which criminalises sexual relations with a child.
The Allahabad High Court affirmed that the minimum marriage age under PCMA, 2006, applies universally, irrespective of religion.
The ruling states that Muslim personal law, which considers puberty as the age of marriage, cannot supersede Central legislation.
The court's decision was made in the context of a case involving the alleged marriage of a 16-year-old girl.
Exam Points
Court: Allahabad High Court.
Act: Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (PCMA), 2006.
The debate surrounding WhatsApp's optional "username" feature highlights concerns over informational privacy and cyber risks. WhatsApp claims the feature, which prevents phone numbers from being accessed, enhances user privacy. However, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) is apprehensive, fearing it could increase online fraud, phishing, and identity spoofing, especially if usernames resemble genuine entities. While critics argue against government intervention without statutory basis, MeitY contends its concerns align with protecting national security and public welfare. The Supreme Court's 2017 judgment on informational privacy under Article 21 emphasizes balancing liberty and security in the digital age.
WhatsApp's new optional "username" feature aims to enhance user privacy by concealing phone numbers.
The Indian government expresses concerns that this feature could facilitate cybercrimes like online fraud and identity spoofing.
The debate involves balancing user privacy with national security and public welfare in the digital domain.
Exam Points
WhatsApp announced an optional "username" feature on June 29.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) raised concerns.
Supreme Court's 2017 judgment declared "informational privacy" a facet of fundamental right to privacy under Article 21.
A Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by the Uttar Pradesh government found prima facie proof of stealing and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple. CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 revealed around 70 instances of counting staff hiding cash in clothes and shoes, with other employees assisting. The SIT identified procedural flaws in donation management, including lack of proper security protocols like frisking, biometric attendance, and CCTV surveillance, which fostered an environment conducive to theft. Eight individuals have been arrested, and the SIT plans a re-audit of the Trust's accounts for the past five years, including construction expenditure.
SIT investigation found evidence of theft and pilferage of donations at the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
CCTV footage showed counting staff hiding cash, with assistance from other employees.
Procedural flaws and lack of security protocols in donation management were identified as contributing factors.
Exam Points
Investigation by Special Investigation Team (SIT) appointed by Uttar Pradesh government.
Location: Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Temple.
CCTV footage from April 27 to June 5 revealed around 70 instances of suspected theft.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to introduce simultaneous elections, is unlikely to meet its deadline to submit a report during the Monsoon Session. Headed by Lok Sabha member P.P. Chaudhary, the panel plans further consultations in various States, including Uttar Pradesh, to gather wider stakeholder input. The committee has held 18 meetings in Delhi, with six former Chief Justices of India offering divergent views on the Bill's consistency with the Basic Structure of the Constitution. The panel faces the complex task of synchronising election cycles and is considering provisions like barring no-confidence motions if only one year of a government's term remains.
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on simultaneous elections is expected to miss its Monsoon Session deadline for report submission.
The committee is conducting extensive consultations across States to gather stakeholder input.
Former Chief Justices of India have presented divergent views on the Bill's adherence to the Basic Structure of the Constitution.
The Union Education Ministry's UDISE+ report for 2025-26 shows a positive trend with falling school dropout rates across all levels. The preparatory level dropout rate decreased to 1.8%, and the secondary level (Classes 9-12) dropped to 7.0%. Student retention rates also improved significantly. The report highlights an 8.3% increase in total teachers, with women now forming 54.9% of the teaching force, contributing to gender balance. Furthermore, school infrastructure improved, with computer access rising to 69.9% and internet connectivity to 67.4%, alongside high percentages of electricity and separate toilets for girls and boys.
School dropout rates have decreased across all educational levels, indicating improved student retention.
The total number of teachers increased by 8.3%, with women teachers now constituting a majority, promoting gender balance.
Significant improvements in school infrastructure include increased computer access and internet connectivity.
Exam Points
Report: Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) for 2025-26.
Preparatory level dropout rate: 1.8% (down from 2.3%).
Secondary level dropout rate (Classes 9-12): 7.0% (down from 8.2%).
Bengaluru-based space start-up GalaxEye has lost contact with Mission Drishti, India's largest privately developed OptoSAR satellite, following an anomaly caused by a geomagnetic solar storm. Launched in May, Mission Drishti encountered radiation effects that likely impacted a critical onboard system during its Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP). Communication became intermittent and was eventually lost, with the likelihood of recovery currently appearing low. The satellite integrated electro-optical (EO) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) sensors into a single operational platform.
GalaxEye lost contact with Mission Drishti, India's largest privately developed OptoSAR satellite.
The anomaly occurred due to a geomagnetic solar storm, impacting a critical onboard system.
Mission Drishti, launched in May, integrated both electro-optical and synthetic aperture radar sensors.
Exam Points
Satellite: Mission Drishti, developed by GalaxEye (Bengaluru-based start-up).
Mission Drishti is India's largest privately developed earth observation satellite.
Launched in May aboard a Falcon 9 by SpaceX from Vandenberg, California.
Assam's Forest and Environment Minister, Jayanta Mallabaruah, informed the Assembly that eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests in the State are under encroachment. As of February 12, 2016, over 3.15 lakh hectares of land in these protected areas were under illegal occupation. The BJP-led NDA government, which formed in 2016, has since evicted squatters from 25,588.7675 hectares, including 16,937.2466 hectares during the past five years. This data highlights the ongoing challenge of protecting Assam's natural habitats from illegal occupation.
Eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests in Assam are currently facing encroachment.
Over 3.15 lakh hectares of land in protected areas were under illegal occupation as of February 2016.
The current government has evicted squatters from over 25,588 hectares since 2016.
Exam Points
Assam has eight wildlife sanctuaries and 281 reserve forests under encroachment.
Over 3.15 lakh hectares of land were under illegal occupation as of February 12, 2016.
The BJP-led NDA government formed in Assam in 2016.
Meta has published a blog detailing its aggressive efforts to combat child sexual abuse content across its apps, utilizing AI-powered detection and large-scale enforcement actions. This comes after the Indian government issued a notice regarding reports of such content being promoted via Instagram ads. Meta acknowledges these concerns seriously, stating its commitment to improving efforts against child exploitation. The company emphasizes its continuous work to fight this "horrific crime" both on and off its platforms, highlighting the use of technology and enforcement to address the issue.
Meta is actively combating child sexual abuse content across its platforms using AI-powered detection and enforcement.
The company's intensified efforts follow reports and a government notice regarding such content on Instagram ads in India.
Meta acknowledges the severity of child exploitation and is committed to improving its measures.
Exam Points
Meta published a blog detailing its efforts.
Indian government issued a notice regarding Instagram ads.
Meta uses AI-powered detection for child sexual abuse content.
BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to strengthen cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and related transnational organised crime. The declaration, made by heads of anti-drug agencies, emphasized the need for timely exchange of information, intelligence, and best practices, consistent with national laws and international obligations. Concerns were raised over the evolving nature of drug trafficking, the proliferation of synthetic drugs, and the misuse of emerging technologies. India, represented by Narcotics Control Bureau Director-General Anurag Garg, highlighted its zero-tolerance policy and a three-year roadmap (2026-29) focusing on dismantling criminal networks and mass awareness campaigns.
BRICS nations adopted the Guwahati Declaration to enhance cooperation against illicit drug trafficking and transnational crime.
The declaration stresses timely information and intelligence exchange, adhering to national and international laws.
Concerns include the rise of synthetic drugs, new psychoactive substances, and misuse of technology in drug trafficking.
Exam Points
Declaration: Guwahati Declaration.
BRICS members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Indonesia.
India's representative: Anurag Garg, Director-General of Narcotics Control Bureau.
The Supreme Court asserted that the independence of lawyers is as crucial as judicial independence for preserving the rule of law and democracy. A Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha stated that self-regulation is a defining feature of the legal profession, insulating advocates from external pressures. While acknowledging mounting pendency as a major challenge, the court questioned why the Bar is seldom held responsible for reducing delays. It called for a "paradigm shift" towards collaborative efforts between the Bench and Bar to tackle pendency and proposed establishing a full-time "National Legal Academy" for continuous legal education for advocates.
The Supreme Court highlighted the critical importance of the Bar's independence for upholding the rule of law and democracy.
Self-regulation is identified as a key feature of the legal profession, protecting advocates from external influences.
The court called for a collaborative approach between the Bench and Bar to address mounting case pendency.
Exam Points
Supreme Court Bench led by Justice P.S. Narasimha.
The court emphasized the "independence of the Bar."
Proposed establishment of a full-time "National Legal Academy."
Scant monsoons, exacerbated by El Niño, are threatening India's rural demand and pushing up inflation, according to expert analyses. A 41% rainfall deficiency in the first month of the southwest monsoon, with most States recording deficient rainfall, is expected to weaken demand for farm labour and reduce farm incomes. Rural inflation has already risen to 4.25% year-over-year as of May 2026, and is projected to increase further due to lower yields and higher food and energy prices. S&P Global Ratings anticipates inflation to reach 5.1% for fiscal 2027, prompting expectations of a moderately tight monetary policy from the RBI.
El Niño-induced scant monsoons are negatively impacting India's rural demand and exacerbating inflation.
A significant rainfall deficiency is expected to reduce farm labour demand and farm incomes.
Rural inflation has already risen and is projected to increase further due to lower agricultural yields and higher food/energy prices.
Exam Points
El Niño effect caused a 41% rainfall deficiency in the first month of southwest monsoon.
Rural inflation reached 4.25% year-over-year as of May 2026.
S&P Global Ratings projects inflation at 5.1% for fiscal 2027.
Three global studies published in leading medical journals suggest that finerenone, a drug primarily used for diabetes-related kidney disease, can effectively slow kidney disease progression in a broader patient group, including those without diabetes. The research found that finerenone reduced protein leakage in urine and lowered the risk of kidney failure across different forms of chronic kidney disease, such as glomerular diseases. Finerenone works by blocking inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, processes common to many kidney diseases. While it has side effects like hyperkalaemia, these are manageable with routine blood tests. The drug is already available in India and is expected to become cheaper after 2028.
Finerenone, a drug previously for diabetes-related kidney disease, is effective in slowing kidney disease progression in patients without diabetes.
Studies show it reduces protein leakage and lowers the risk of kidney failure across various forms of chronic kidney disease.
The drug acts by blocking inflammation and scarring in the kidneys, a common pathway in many kidney diseases.
Exam Points
Studies published in New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), and The Lancet.
FIND-CKD study enrolled 1,584 patients without diabetes.
Finerenone reduced protein leakage in urine by about 42%.
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