The U.S. announced permanent 10% tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, due to concerns over forced labour goods. India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that about 45% of its exports to the U.S. would remain outside the purview of these new tariffs. The Centre highlighted that the 10% tariff is lower than the initially proposed 12.5% and that many key Indian exports like generic pharmaceuticals and smartphones already attract zero additional duties. Products under Section 232 of the U.S. Trade Expansion Act (steel, aluminium, auto parts) are also exempt. India continues engagement with the U.S. on a quota-based system for textile exports and for a Bilateral Trade Agreement.
The U.S. has imposed a 10% tariff on imports from 60 trading partners, including India, citing concerns over forced labour goods.
India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated that 45% of its exports to the U.S. would not be affected by these new tariffs.
The new 10% tariff is lower than the initially proposed 12.5% on India and some other countries.
Exam Points
U.S. announced 10% permanent tariffs on imports from 60 trading partners.
India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry stated 45% of India's exports to the U.S. are unaffected.
The new tariff is 10%, lower than the initially proposed 12.5%.
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga has taken charge of a newly designated fast-track court at the Rouse Avenue District Court complex in Delhi. This court is specifically set up to handle criminal cases related to paper leaks and other unfair means in public examinations. The move follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on July 23 to establish such courts for swift resolution of these cases. The trial of 13 accused in the NEET-UG 2026 examination paper leak case is expected to be transferred to this new court. The initiative aims to safeguard student interests and ensure accountability for those who compromise the future of youth.
A new fast-track court has been established at the Rouse Avenue District Court complex in Delhi to exclusively handle paper leak cases.
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga has taken charge of this designated court.
The establishment of these courts aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement on July 23 to ensure swift justice in paper leak cases.
Exam Points
Special Judge Anu Grover Baliga took charge of the fast-track court.
The court is located at the Rouse Avenue District Court complex in Delhi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the establishment of fast-track courts on July 23.
Haryana's first phase of special intensive revision (SIR) of electoral rolls has concluded, resulting in over 33 lakh electors being left out. These exclusions are attributed to permanent relocation, absence, death, or duplicate entries. The draft electoral rolls are set to be published on July 31 and will be accessible on the official website and at designated publication centres. Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer, A. Sreenivas, reported that out of 2,06,55,000 electors, 1,72,71,361 forms were digitized, but 33,84,568 names could not be recorded for various reasons, including 13,75,278 shifted, 7,66,205 deceased, and 9,36,646 absent.
Over 33 lakh electors were not recorded in Haryana's electoral rolls during the first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
Reasons for exclusion include permanent relocation, absence, death, and duplicate entries.
The draft electoral rolls will be published on July 31 for public access.
Exam Points
33,84,568 electors were not recorded in Haryana's SIR phase 1.
Draft electoral rolls to be published on July 31.
Haryana's Chief Electoral Officer is A. Sreenivas.
The new BJP government in West Bengal tabled 28 long-pending Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) reports in the Assembly, covering fiscals 2020-21 to 2024-25. State Finance Minister Swapan Dasgupta accused the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) dispensation of a "constitutional lapse" for not presenting these reports earlier. A special Assembly session is planned to discuss the findings, which include deficiencies in the Swasthya Sathi health insurance scheme, such as excess payments to private hospitals, and irregularities in Cyclone Amphan relief works, like exaggerated damage assessments and multiple payments to beneficiaries. The reports are expected to provide a "true picture" of the State's finances and explain the reasons behind West Bengal's debt burden of over ₹8 lakh crore.
The West Bengal BJP government tabled 28 pending CAG reports in the Assembly, covering fiscals 2020-21 to 2024-25.
The Finance Minister accused the previous TMC government of a "constitutional lapse" for not tabling these reports earlier.
CAG reports flagged deficiencies in the Swasthya Sathi health insurance scheme and irregularities in Cyclone Amphan relief and restoration works.
Exam Points
28 pending CAG reports were tabled in the West Bengal Assembly.
The Union government has circulated the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, which will be introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. This Bill aims to significantly strengthen the existing anti-cheating law by increasing penalties, introducing mandatory two-month investigation deadlines, and establishing designated Special Fast Track Courts. It proposes steep financial penalties up to ₹10 crore for organised crime networks and increased imprisonment sentences for individuals and institutions. The Bill also mandates the constitution of dedicated Special Task Forces (STF) for investigations and sets strict timelines for trials and appeals to ensure speedy justice and restore confidence in public examination systems.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, will be introduced in Parliament to strengthen anti-cheating laws.
The Bill proposes increased penalties, mandatory two-month investigation deadlines, and the establishment of Special Fast Track Courts.
Financial penalties for organised crime networks could reach up to ₹10 crore, with increased imprisonment terms for offenders.
Exam Points
The Bill is named Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
It will be introduced in Lok Sabha on Monday by Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Penalties for organised crime networks can go up to ₹10 crore.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh has reiterated his criticism of the Great Nicobar Island Project, asserting it is "most fundamentally a commercial enterprise" rather than a strategically vital national initiative, contrary to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's claims. Ramesh highlighted that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay accounts for about half the project's budget, making its commercial nature evident. He argued that the dual-purpose airport, the only component with a defence focus, requires only a small fraction of the land and budget. Ramesh also raised concerns about the project's environmental and social costs, including the felling of hills, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on bird flyways, which he claims remain unrefuted. He urged consultation with retired naval officers who have questioned the defence reasoning.
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh argues that the Great Nicobar Island Project is primarily a commercial venture, not a strategic national initiative.
He points out that the trans-shipment port at Galathea Bay constitutes a significant portion of the project's budget, underscoring its commercial aspect.
Ramesh raises environmental and social concerns, including deforestation, destruction of Shompen tribal land, and impacts on international bird flyways.
Exam Points
Congress MP Jairam Ramesh criticized the Great Nicobar Island Project.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had defended the project as strategically vital.
The trans-shipment port is planned at Galathea Bay.
The ancient Buddhist site of Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh, India, has been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting in Busan, South Korea. Sarnath is now India's 45th site on the list. Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the inscription, emphasizing Sarnath's deep connection with Lord Buddha and his timeless message of wisdom, compassion, and harmony that inspires the world. Sarnath is significant as the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightenment.
Sarnath, an ancient Buddhist site in Uttar Pradesh, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
This inscription marks Sarnath as India's 45th site on the UNESCO list.
The decision was made during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
Exam Points
Sarnath is in Uttar Pradesh, India.
It is India's 45th site on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The inscription occurred during the 48th session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee in Busan, South Korea.
Rajasthan's health department has heightened surveillance and vector-control measures in Dungarpur, Sirohi, and surrounding areas after two girls from the state, undergoing treatment in Gujarat, tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV) and died. CHPV is an emerging vector-borne pathogen primarily affecting children under 15, causing fever, flu-like symptoms, and acute encephalitis. It is transmitted by vectors such as mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies. The intensified measures aim to prevent further spread of the virus in the affected districts.
Rajasthan's health department has increased surveillance and vector-control measures in Dungarpur, Sirohi, and adjoining areas.
The alert follows the deaths of two girls from the state who tested positive for the Chandipura virus (CHPV).
CHPV is an emerging vector-borne pathogen that mainly affects children under 15, causing symptoms like fever and encephalitis.
Exam Points
Chandipura virus (CHPV) is an emerging vector-borne pathogen.
It primarily affects children aged below 15.
Transmitted by vectors like mosquitoes, ticks, and sandflies.
A three-year study, published in Gut Microbes, indicates that urban food habits are rewriting the gut microbiome in India, potentially explaining the rising rates of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension among urbanising Indians. The study, led by Niraj Rai and Maanasa Raghavan, profiled gut bacteria from 575 adults across 10 communities in India and Sri Lanka. It found that urban individuals consistently have more Megamonas, a bacterium linked to obesity and high blood glucose, while Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, is lost with urbanisation. India, with 89.8 million adults living with diabetes as of 2024, faces a significant health challenge, with 43% of cases undiagnosed. The research highlights food processing as a key driver of these microbiome changes.
A study in Gut Microbes suggests urban food habits are altering the gut microbiome in India, contributing to rising diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
The research found higher levels of Megamonas, linked to obesity and high blood glucose, in urban populations.
Holdemanella, associated with fibre intake, was found to be lost with urbanisation, except in Kerala where traditional diets are maintained.
Exam Points
Study published in the journal Gut Microbes.
Led by Niraj Rai (Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences) and Maanasa Raghavan (University of Chicago).
India has 89.8 million adults with diabetes as of 2024 (International Diabetes Federation data).
The death toll from rain-related incidents in Gujarat has risen to 35 over the past two days as floodwaters recede and rescue operations conclude. Most fatalities were due to drowning or strong currents, with Navsari and Valsad districts being the worst-affected. Relief Commissioner Gaurang Makwana reported that over 7,000 people were rescued and 42,000 relocated. With rainfall easing, the administration is now focusing on post-flood restoration, including assessing damage to crops, houses, and public infrastructure, and undertaking cleaning drives and pesticide spraying to prevent water-borne diseases. Financial assistance for affected residents will be disbursed from Monday. The IMD issued red and orange alerts for several districts.
The death toll in Gujarat due to rain-related incidents has reached 35, primarily from drowning.
Navsari and Valsad were the worst-affected districts, with over 7,000 people rescued and 42,000 relocated.
Authorities have shifted focus to post-flood restoration, including damage assessment for crops, houses, and infrastructure.
Mega data centre projects in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are encountering strong public opposition. In A.P., Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd. (a Google company) and Adani Infra/AdaniConnex are developing a 1GW AI data centre hub across 601 acres in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts. In Maharashtra, Amazon's ₹7,203.29-crore hyperscale data centre project is under construction in Thane. Citizens' groups are protesting due to concerns over strain on water and power resources, environmental impact, limited local employment, and lack of public consultation. Specific issues include the threat to Kambalakonda Eco-Forest and Mudasarlova reservoir in A.P., and water shortage and load shedding in Thane. Protesters demand clarity on resource usage and greater local benefits.
Mega data centre projects in Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra are facing significant public opposition.
Concerns include the immense strain on local water and power resources, environmental degradation, and limited local employment benefits.
In A.P., protests target a 1GW AI data centre hub by Google and Adani, citing threats to eco-forests and water reservoirs.
Exam Points
Raiden Infotech India Pvt. Ltd. (Google) and Adani Infra/AdaniConnex are developing a 1GW AI data centre hub in A.P.
Amazon's ₹7,203.29-crore hyperscale data centre project is in Thane, Maharashtra.
Protests in A.P. are in Visakhapatnam and Anakapalli districts, affecting Kambalakonda Eco-Forest and Mudasarlova reservoir.
The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has set strict timelines for insurers to submit documents related to complaints before the Insurance Ombudsmen. Insurers must submit the self-contained note (SCN) and all supporting documents within seven days of receiving a notice from the Ombudsman. Any additional information requested must be furnished within three days. IRDAI has warned that non-compliance will result in the Ombudsman proceeding with the matter ex parte, based on available information, without further delay. This directive aims to address inordinate delays by insurers and ensure that Ombudsmen can finalise findings and pass awards within the stipulated three months.
IRDAI has imposed strict timelines for insurers to submit documents for complaints to Insurance Ombudsmen.
Insurers must submit the self-contained note (SCN) and all supporting documents within seven days of receiving a notice.
Failure to comply with these timelines will lead to ex-parte orders by the Ombudsmen.
Exam Points
IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) issued the directive.
Insurers must submit documents within 7 days and additional info within 3 days.
Ombudsmen are required to finalize findings and awards within three months, as per Rule 17(4) of the Insurance Ombudsman Rules.
India is set to launch a common customer identification system, Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC 2.0), for banks and insurers in August, with asset managers joining later. This system will allow customers to access financial products without repeatedly submitting identification documents. With customer consent, institutions can fetch data from a central registry when opening accounts or updating details. The initiative aims to deepen participation in financial products, combat fraud through easier monitoring, and address issues with the quality of data in the existing registry. While India has achieved basic financial inclusion with 89% of adults owning bank accounts, ownership in mutual funds, insurance, and pensions remains comparatively low.
India will roll out a common customer identification system, CKYC 2.0, for banks and insurers in August.
The system will allow customers to access financial products without repeatedly submitting identification documents, requiring only consent to fetch data from a central registry.
CKYC 2.0 aims to deepen financial inclusion, combat fraud, and improve data quality in the existing registry.
Exam Points
Common customer identification system: Central Know-Your-Customer 2.0 (CKYC 2.0).
Launch month: August, for banks and insurers.
89% of adults owned bank accounts in 2024 (World Bank data).
A study published in Cell Genomics has revealed the existence of a previously unknown ancient Himalayan people through DNA analysis of human remains found in a Ladakh cave. The findings challenge the theory that the region was settled by a single migration from Tibet. Instead, the study suggests a more complex demographic history, with distinct genetic lineages present in the Himalayas. The remains, dating back to 2,800 years ago, show genetic links to both ancient Tibetans and early agriculturalists from the Indus Valley, indicating multiple waves of migration and intermingling. This discovery provides new insights into the peopling of the Himalayas and the genetic diversity of its inhabitants.
Ancient DNA analysis from human remains in a Ladakh cave revealed a previously unknown Himalayan people.
The study, published in Cell Genomics, challenges the theory of a single migration from Tibet to settle the region.
Genetic analysis indicates a complex demographic history with links to both ancient Tibetans and early Indus Valley agriculturalists.
A study by the Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) reveals that India's irrigated paddy fields are among the world's top methane sources, contributing significantly to global greenhouse gas emissions. The study, published in Environmental Research Letters, estimates that India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022, accounting for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice. The emissions are primarily from paddy fields in Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab. The study highlights the need for sustainable agricultural practices, such as alternate wetting and drying and direct seeded rice, to mitigate these emissions and achieve India's climate goals.
India's irrigated paddy fields are identified as a significant global source of methane emissions.
A CEEW study estimates India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually between 2002-2022.
This accounts for 12.4% of global methane emissions from rice, with major contributions from Uttar Pradesh, West Bengal, and Punjab.
Exam Points
Study by Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW).
Published in Environmental Research Letters.
India's rice cultivation emitted 70.04 megatonnes of methane annually (2002-2022).
Astronomers have announced the discovery of Kepler-1708 b-i, the first moon found beyond our solar system, also known as an exomoon. This exomoon is described as being as large as a planet, orbiting the exoplanet Kepler-1708 b, which is itself a gas giant. The discovery was made using data from the Kepler space telescope. This finding is significant as it opens new avenues for understanding planetary systems beyond our own and the potential for life in diverse celestial environments. The size of the exomoon challenges existing theories about moon formation.
Astronomers have discovered the first exomoon, named Kepler-1708 b-i, located beyond our solar system.
The exomoon is described as being planet-sized and orbits the exoplanet Kepler-1708 b, a gas giant.
The discovery was made using data from the Kepler space telescope.
A study highlights that invasive alien species (IAS) disproportionately affect countries in the Global South, leading to severe economic and environmental consequences. These countries, often reliant on natural resources and with limited capacity for management, suffer greater damage from IAS. The study indicates that the spread of IAS is exacerbated by rapid trade growth and poor biosecurity measures. The economic costs of IAS are substantial, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and human health. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced international cooperation and targeted policies to manage and prevent the introduction and spread of IAS in vulnerable regions.
Invasive alien species (IAS) have a disproportionately higher impact on countries in the Global South.
These countries face severe economic and environmental consequences due to their reliance on natural resources and limited management capacity.
Rapid trade growth and inadequate biosecurity measures are identified as key factors exacerbating the spread of IAS.
Exam Points
Focus on Invasive Alien Species (IAS).
Disproportionate impact on Global South countries.
Factors contributing to spread: rapid trade growth, poor biosecurity.
A sudden explosion of suspected methane trapped in rocks killed 25 workers in an under-construction Head Race Tunnel (HRT) of NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Samardung, Sikkim. Preliminary reports suggest the workers hit methane-trapping rocks during drilling, causing the flammable gas to explode upon mixing with air and encountering an ignition source. Methane deposits are common in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and geological formations. The incident underscores the fragility of the Himalayas, prone to tectonic instability, earthquakes, and landslides, exacerbated by heavy construction, tourism, and climate change. Previous projects in Sikkim have also suffered due to extreme weather events and geological instability.
A methane explosion in the Head Race Tunnel of NHPC's Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project in Sikkim killed 25 workers.
The incident is attributed to workers hitting methane-trapping rocks during drilling, leading to an explosion.
Methane deposits are found in the Himalayan belt due to ancient organic matter decomposition and fragile geological formations.
Exam Points
Location: Samardung, Namchi district, Sikkim.
Project: NHPC's 500 MW Teesta Stage VI Hydropower Project.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement, laying the foundation for a 30-year partnership where U.S. companies will help Riyadh build its nuclear sector. The deal, however, lacks the "gold standard" non-proliferation requirements, such as prohibiting uranium enrichment or reprocessing spent fuel, unlike the U.S.-UAE deal. President Trump later stated the deal was contingent on Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which Riyadh has not confirmed, creating uncertainty. Saudi Arabia seeks nuclear power for economic diversification (Vision 2030) and to reduce reliance on oil, especially given its uranium deposits. The deal's impact on Iran's nuclear program is significant, as it could harden Iran's stance on enrichment if Saudi Arabia develops its own enrichment capabilities.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia signed a civil nuclear cooperation agreement for a 30-year partnership.
The deal allows for the transfer of civil nuclear materials and technology but lacks strict non-proliferation requirements like those in the U.S.-UAE deal.
President Trump linked the deal to Saudi Arabia joining the Abraham Accords, which Riyadh has not confirmed.
Exam Points
Signed by U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Saudi Energy Minister Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman.
The deal is for a 30-year nuclear partnership.
Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 aims for economic diversification.
Villagers in Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh, are protesting against the Union government's ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India's first river-linking initiative. Protests also target the State government's Majhgaon and Runjh irrigation projects. Key demands include treating each adult as an individual beneficiary for the ₹12.5 lakh rehabilitation package and revising the eligibility cut-off date. Protesters allege irregularities in surveys, inclusion of fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings. Environmental concerns are significant, as a large part of the project falls within the Panna Tiger Reserve. It involves felling over 17,000 trees, threatening tiger reintroduction efforts, endangered vultures, mahseer fish, and gharials. The project aims to transfer surplus water from Ken to Betwa River, generate hydropower, and provide drinking water to drought-prone Bundelkhand.
Protests are ongoing in Madhya Pradesh against the Ken-Betwa Link Project and state irrigation projects over displacement and compensation issues.
Key demands include individual adult beneficiary status for rehabilitation and revision of eligibility cut-off dates.
Allegations of irregularities in surveys, fake beneficiaries, and flawed gram sabha proceedings have been raised.
Exam Points
Project: Ken-Betwa River Linking Project, India's first river-linking project.
Cost: ₹44,000 crore.
Location of protests: Kupi village, Chhatarpur district, Madhya Pradesh.
Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La), a geological formation in Iran's Karkas Range, is drawing international attention due to suspected nuclear program facilities. U.S. President Donald Trump recently hinted at potential strikes on this area. The mountain's volcanic geology, part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic belt, makes it a natural fortress. It consists of dense, mechanically strong volcanic rocks like andesite and rhyolite, dissected by numerous faults. This complex structure complicates both excavation and potential bombing efforts, as stress waves can scatter. The region's rugged landscape and surrounding maritime chokepoints further enhance Iran's geo-strategic position, making any ground campaign difficult.
Pickaxe Mountain in Iran's Karkas Range is suspected to house part of Iran's nuclear program, drawing attention from the U.S.
The mountain's volcanic geology, characterized by dense and fractured rocks, makes it a natural fortress.
Its complex geological structure, including andesite and rhyolite rocks and numerous faults, complicates both excavation and potential military strikes.
Exam Points
Mountain name: Pickaxe Mountain (Kuh-e Kolang Gaz La).
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy, a Republican from Montana, has introduced the "End H-1B Abuse Act" in the Senate. The Bill proposes a three-year pause on the issuance of new H-1B visas and seeks to codify the $100,000 fee previously imposed by the Trump administration, which was struck down by a federal court. Sheehy argues the H-1B program, originally for workforce shortages in specialized fields, is being abused to displace American workers with cheaper foreign labor. The legislation aims to restore the program's original intent, strengthen safeguards, and prioritize national security interests. American technology companies heavily rely on H-1B visas to hire skilled foreign workers, particularly from India and China.
U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy introduced the "End H-1B Abuse Act" in the Senate.
The Bill proposes a three-year pause on new H-1B visa issuance and codifies a $100,000 fee.
The legislation aims to prevent the displacement of American workers by cheaper foreign labor.
Exam Points
Bill name: "End H-1B Abuse Act."
Introduced by U.S. Senator Tim Sheehy (Republican, Montana).
Out-of-control wildfires in Spain and France have forced the evacuation of over 2,60,000 people. In France, 1,97,000 people were evacuated from areas around Bordeaux, described as the country's biggest peacetime evacuation. Spain saw 60,000 people evacuated from villages west of Madrid, with Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez emphasizing saving lives. The fires, raging for days, have been difficult to contain despite efforts by overstretched firefighters, including military assistance from Paris. One person died near Valencia, Spain. Authorities noted a slight decrease in intensity for some blazes, but the situation remains critical.
Massive wildfires in Spain and France have led to the evacuation of over 2,60,000 people.
France evacuated 1,97,000 people from Bordeaux areas, marking the country's largest peacetime evacuation.
In Spain, 60,000 people were evacuated from villages west of Madrid, and one person died near Valencia.
Exam Points
Over 2,60,000 people evacuated in Spain and France.
1,97,000 people evacuated from Bordeaux areas (France).
60,000 people evacuated from villages west of Madrid (Spain).
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