Various organizations in Karnataka have called a State bandh on August 13 to protest the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA)'s directive to release water to Tamil Nadu. The CWMA upheld the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee's (CWRC) earlier order for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water for 15 days, despite Karnataka citing poor reservoir storage. Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed against the bandh, stating the government would decide its next move after legal advice and consulting opposition parties. Protests have already begun in the Cauvery basin, with some theatres halting screenings of a Tamil film.
Karnataka organizations have called a State bandh on August 13 to protest the CWMA's directive to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu.
The CWMA upheld the CWRC's order for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water for 15 days.
Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar appealed to the organizations to reconsider the bandh, promising consultation with legal experts and opposition parties.
Exam Points
Bandh called for August 13.
Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) are involved.
Directive to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water for 15 days.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "historic agreement" for the disarmament of Hamas and other militant organizations in Gaza, facilitated by the Board of Peace. Hamas acknowledged the deal but stated it would abandon weapons only if Israel withdraws its troops from Gaza and "stops killing Palestinians." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond, but National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called the deal "unacceptable" and insisted on continued "assassinations in Gaza." The agreement is part of the "Trump 20-Point Plan" and aims for a new Palestinian government in Gaza and Israeli security.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced a "historic agreement" for the disarmament of Hamas in Gaza.
Hamas agreed to the deal but conditioned disarmament on Israeli troop withdrawal and an end to killings.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir rejected the deal, insisting on continued military action.
The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, without debate on Friday. This occurred amidst loud protests by the Opposition regarding a police crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20. The Opposition demanded the presence of Home Minister Amit Shah, but the Bill was passed by voice vote. The Bill aims to make delayed registration of births and deaths more stringent, requiring a judicial magistrate's order for registrations done after two years. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju expressed regret over the manner of the Bill's passage.
The Lok Sabha passed the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026, without debate.
Opposition MPs protested against a police crackdown on student protesters and demanded the Home Minister's presence.
The Bill makes delayed registration of births and deaths more stringent, requiring a judicial magistrate's order after two years.
Exam Points
Bill passed: Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2026.
Protests related to police crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar on July 20.
The death toll from floods in Assam has risen to 80, with two new fatalities reported from Sivasagar district. Over 2.12 lakh people in eight districts remain affected. The State government announced a six-month moratorium on repaying all types of loans for flood-affected people and sought a support package from the Centre. Twenty-one revenue circles and 437 villages are still impacted, with 75,583 people in 112 relief camps. Multiple agencies are engaged in rescue and relief work, and significant crop area and infrastructure have been damaged.
Assam floods have caused 80 deaths and affected over 2.12 lakh people across eight districts.
The State government declared a six-month moratorium on loan repayments for flood victims.
A support package from the Centre has been requested for relief and rehabilitation.
The Bombay High Court criticized the Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for granting a clean chit to government canteens while cracking down on private eateries. A court-appointed panel of four lawyers found three Mantralaya canteens to be unclean, with broken sewage, drainage issues, and cockroaches/flies, contradicting the FDA's report of 98% compliance. The Bench, led by Acting Chief Justice Ravindra Ghuge, emphasized that the FDA must be "fair, impartial and uniform" in its actions, questioning why a private restaurant received a suspension notice for similar deficiencies while government canteens were declared compliant.
Bombay High Court criticized Maharashtra FDA for biased action against private eateries versus government canteens.
A court-appointed panel found Mantralaya canteens to have significant hygiene issues, including broken sewage and pests.
FDA's report claimed 98% compliance for government canteens, contrasting with the panel's findings.
Exam Points
Court: Bombay High Court.
Agency: Maharashtra Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Location: Mantralaya (State Secretariat) canteens in Mumbai.
Environmental activist Pranab Doley, who supported protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park, has been detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government. This occurred just a day after he was granted bail by a local court, which had noted that criminal law should not suppress local anxieties about ecological preservation. The NSA order cites 13 police cases against Doley since 2017, alleging his activities were "prejudicial to public order and security of the State," involving foreign funding, foreign trips, road blockades, and damage to public property.
Environmental activist Pranab Doley was detained under the National Security Act (NSA) by the Assam government.
Doley was supporting protests against a luxury hotel project near Kaziranga National Park.
His detention came a day after a local court granted him bail, acknowledging concerns about ecological preservation.
A girl with special needs, abandoned three years ago near a temple in Dausa, Rajasthan, has been adopted by a single mother from France. This marks the first inter-country adoption facilitated by a government agency in the district. The adoption was routed through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) and followed all legal and documentary procedures under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015. The District Collector and other officials bid an emotional farewell, emphasizing the need for follow-up reports and ensuring the child's bright future.
A girl with special needs from Dausa, Rajasthan, was adopted by a single mother from France.
This is the first inter-country adoption facilitated by a government agency in the district.
The adoption process was routed through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Exam Points
Location: Dausa, Rajasthan.
Agency: Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Act: Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015 (amended 2022).
Activists in Bhopal alleged that 68% of drinking water samples supplied by the civic body in areas affected by the 1984 Bhopal gas tragedy were contaminated with faecal coliform. Out of 63 samples taken from 30 localities, 43 showed sewage contamination. Activists warned that this situation is similar to Indore's Bhagirathpura, where contaminated water caused over 35 deaths. They claimed that 90% of samples from the city's upper lake and 25% from Kolar dam were also contaminated. The Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC), however, stated that its own tests in July found no impurities in 61 samples.
Activists reported 68% of drinking water samples near the Bhopal gas tragedy site were contaminated with faecal coliform.
The contamination poses a health risk, drawing parallels to a similar incident in Indore that caused multiple deaths.
Activists also claimed high contamination rates in water from Bhopal's upper lake and Kolar dam.
The editorial discusses the increasing instances of police brutality and lack of accountability in India, citing recent events like the crackdown on student protesters at Jantar Mantar and the alleged torture of a woman in custody in Delhi. It highlights that while police are meant to uphold the law, they often act with impunity, especially against vulnerable groups. The Supreme Court's directives for police reforms, such as the Prakash Singh judgment (2006) and the D.K. Basu guidelines (1997), have largely been ignored. The editorial calls for urgent police reforms, including independent complaints authorities and adherence to human rights.
Police brutality and lack of accountability are persistent issues in India, exemplified by recent crackdowns on protesters.
The police often act with impunity, particularly against marginalized communities.
Supreme Court directives for police reforms, including the Prakash Singh judgment and D.K. Basu guidelines, have not been effectively implemented.
Exam Points
Prakash Singh judgment (2006) on police reforms.
D.K. Basu guidelines (1997) on arrest and detention.
The article argues that India's education system, designed for a different era, is failing Gen Z by prioritizing rote learning and competitive exams over holistic development. It highlights the mental health crisis among students due to immense pressure and the lack of focus on critical thinking, creativity, and emotional intelligence. The author advocates for a humane education system that values diverse talents, promotes well-being, and prepares students for a complex future. Key reforms include shifting from rote learning to competency-based assessments, investing in teacher training, and integrating mental health support.
India's education system is outdated and places excessive pressure on Gen Z, leading to mental health issues.
The current system prioritizes rote learning and competitive exams over holistic development and critical thinking.
A humane education system should focus on competency-based learning, diverse talents, and emotional intelligence.
The editorial advocates for a "healthy tax" on unhealthy foods and beverages to combat India's rising non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and improve public health. It highlights the success of such taxes in other countries like Mexico and the Philippines in reducing consumption of sugary drinks. Despite recommendations from NITI Aayog and ICMR, India has been slow to implement these taxes effectively. The editorial suggests a tiered tax system, earmarking revenue for health initiatives, and comprehensive public awareness campaigns to ensure the tax's effectiveness and address concerns about its regressive nature.
India faces a growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), exacerbated by unhealthy diets.
A "healthy tax" on unhealthy foods and beverages can effectively reduce consumption and improve public health, as seen internationally.
Despite recommendations, India has been slow to implement such taxes comprehensively.
Exam Points
Non-communicable diseases (NCDs).
NITI Aayog and ICMR recommendations.
Global examples: Mexico, Philippines (sugary drink taxes).
The article emphasizes the urgent need for a science-based and dialogue-driven approach to conserve the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot facing significant threats. It notes that despite being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the region lacks a comprehensive legal framework for conservation. The author highlights the failure to implement recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil (WGEEP) and Kasturirangan (HLWG) due to political resistance and lack of consensus. The article advocates for a participatory approach, integrating local communities and scientific expertise, to develop sustainable conservation strategies that balance development and ecological protection.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and biodiversity hotspot, requires urgent conservation efforts.
Existing conservation efforts are hampered by political resistance and lack of a comprehensive legal framework.
Recommendations from expert committees like Gadgil and Kasturirangan have faced implementation challenges.
Exam Points
Western Ghats: UNESCO World Heritage Site, biodiversity hotspot.
Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP) led by Madhav Gadgil (2011).
High-Level Working Group (HLWG) led by K. Kasturirangan (2013).
The article details the tragic reality of the Banchhada community in Madhya Pradesh, where girls are celebrated at birth and given better care than boys, only to be forced into sex work upon reaching puberty. This practice, passed down generations, is deeply entrenched, with family members often acting as pimps. The community, de-notified as a 'criminal tribe' by the British and now a Scheduled Caste, faces social stigma and struggles to break the cycle of exploitation. Government initiatives and NGOs have had limited success due to the entrenched tradition, lack of alternative livelihoods, and difficulties in obtaining official documents like caste certificates.
Banchhada girls in Madhya Pradesh are forced into sex work from puberty, a practice deeply rooted in tradition.
Families celebrate the birth of girls and invest more in their upbringing, but for the purpose of their future earnings from sex work.
The community, formerly a 'criminal tribe' and now a Scheduled Caste, faces severe social stigma and marginalization.
Exam Points
Community: Banchhada.
Location: Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Ratlam districts in western Madhya Pradesh.
Historical context: 'Criminal tribe' under British Criminal Tribes Act, 1871; de-notified in 1952; classified as Scheduled Caste.
The Supreme Court announced its intention to establish a protocol for online users to access livestreamed judicial proceedings solely through court archives. This move aims to prevent the "misuse" or "commercial exploitation" of court content. The decision follows a July 24 interim order that barred the circulation of livestreamed proceedings on social media, citing concerns about judges, advocates, and litigants being vulnerable to trolling and reputational harm. Activists argued that the ban reversed the 'principle of open justice' and advocated for defining terms of reuse rather than outright restriction. The CJI invited suggestions for framing the protocol.
The Supreme Court plans to create a protocol for accessing livestreamed court proceedings exclusively through official archives.
The initiative aims to prevent the misuse and commercial exploitation of judicial content.
A previous interim order on July 24 had banned circulation on social media due to concerns about trolling and reputational harm.
The Supreme Court on Friday directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer and facilitate DNA testing of the mortal remains of Indian nationals killed in the Russia-Ukraine war. This will enable families to claim bodies and conduct last rites. The court was hearing a petition from families alleging illegal overseas recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation, where youth were lured with high-paying jobs, had passports seized, and were pushed into the war zone. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that 24 Indians continue to serve with the Russian Army, 139 have been released, and 51 have died.
The Supreme Court directed the External Affairs Ministry to appoint a nodal officer for DNA testing of Indians killed in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The directive aims to help families claim the mortal remains of their loved ones.
The petition highlighted illegal recruitment, trafficking, and exploitation of Indian youth into the war zone.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar spoke with his Iranian counterpart Syed Abbas Araghchi, strongly urging Iran to cease attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. This marks his second call on shipping attacks in 24 hours, as India faces increased maritime risks in the region and the Black Sea. Jaishankar emphasized India's deep concerns about ongoing hostilities and condemned any such attacks by any party, stressing the need to avoid harm to commercial shipping and seafarers.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar urged Iran to stop attacks on commercial vessels near the Strait of Hormuz.
This is India's second call on maritime security in 24 hours, reflecting increased risks in the region.
India expressed deep concerns over hostilities and condemned attacks on commercial shipping and seafarers.
Amidst recent Gen-Z protests over paper leaks and parliamentary debates, an LJP (RV) MP, Arun Bharti, introduced a private member's Bill in the Lok Sabha seeking constitutional status for a permanent National Commission for Youth. The proposed commission would act as a nodal agency to address complex issues like youth unemployment, promote skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation. The Bill highlights "multidimensional challenges" faced by youth and the potential socio-economic issues if their concerns remain unaddressed. This initiative reflects a differing perception within the NDA alliance regarding youth anxieties compared to the BJP.
An LJP (RV) MP introduced a private member's Bill for a permanent National Commission for Youth with constitutional status.
The commission aims to address youth unemployment, skill development, entrepreneurship, and innovation.
The Bill acknowledges "multidimensional challenges" faced by Gen-Z and potential socio-economic consequences.
Exam Points
MP: Arun Bharti (Lok Janshakti Party (RV)).
Bill: Private member's Bill for National Commission for Youth.
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted below-normal rainfall for August, with precipitation expected to be less than 94% of the long period average. This forecast also extends to the second half of the southwest monsoon season (August-September). While some parts of peninsular, central, eastern, and northwestern India might receive normal to above-normal rainfall, maximum temperatures are expected to remain above normal across most of the country. Moderate El Niño conditions are likely to strengthen, though a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) could develop in September, potentially aiding monsoon rains.
IMD predicts below-normal rainfall for August, less than 94% of the long period average.
The forecast also indicates below-normal rainfall for the second half of the southwest monsoon season.
Maximum temperatures are expected to be above normal across most of the country.
Exam Points
Agency: India Meteorological Department (IMD).
Forecast: Below-normal rainfall (<94% of long period average) for August.
The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana, a ₹5,070-crore scheme to accelerate floating solar power development. The scheme aims to achieve 5,000 MW of floating solar capacity by 2030-31, providing central financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per MW. Projects under this scheme must include battery energy storage equivalent to at least two hours (10,000 MWh) to help states meet peak demand and manage renewable power fluctuations. This initiative seeks to diversify solar installations beyond land-intensive regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat, leveraging water bodies in states with limited land availability.
Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Surya Sarovar Yojana for floating solar power.
The scheme has an outlay of ₹5,070 crore and targets 5,000 MW capacity by 2030-31.
It provides central financial assistance of up to ₹1 crore per MW.
The Supreme Court on Friday issued a notice to the Centre, seeking its response on a petition to declare polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional. The petition also seeks legislative steps to abolish the practice for all citizens, irrespective of religion. Filed by activist Zakia Soman and others, the petition argues that polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution" and calls for the uniform application of Section 82 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which punishes bigamy, by removing exemptions under Muslim Personal Law.
Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre on a petition challenging polygamy among Muslims as unconstitutional.
The petition seeks legislative action to abolish polygamy for all citizens, regardless of religion.
Activists argue polygamy is a "primary driver of female destitution."
Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. (IOCL) has secured crude oil supplies for August and most of September, ensuring comfortable placement despite global shipping disruptions. The state-owned oil marketing company reported a narrower net loss of ₹2,661 crore in the June-ended quarter, attributing this to refinery operational efficiencies. Overall revenues increased by 26% year-on-year to ₹2.76 lakh crore. IOCL also recorded its lowest-ever quarterly fuel and loss of 8.04% in the post-Bharat Stage-VI scenario. The company is pursuing diversification in LPG supplies and tapped RBI's credit facility swap window to raise $500 million.
Indian Oil Corporation (IOCL) has secured crude oil supplies for August and most of September.
The company reported a narrower net loss of ₹2,661 crore in the June-ended quarter, attributed to operational efficiencies.
Overall revenues increased by 26% year-on-year to ₹2.76 lakh crore.
The Union Cabinet approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme for another four years, from 2026-27 to 2030-31, with a total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore. The scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to farmers and has already transferred over ₹4.47 lakh crore directly to farmers' bank accounts in 23 instalments since its launch in February 2019. The government highlighted that women farmers have received over ₹1.06 lakh crore, and the assistance has enhanced farmers' productive capacity, reduced informal credit dependence, and strengthened rural household financial stability.
The Union Cabinet extended the PM-KISAN scheme for four more years, until 2030-31.
A total financial outlay of ₹3.15 lakh crore has been allocated for the extension.
The scheme provides ₹6,000 per year to farmers and has disbursed over ₹4.47 lakh crore in 23 instalments.
Exam Points
Scheme: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN).
The Union Cabinet approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme Samudra Manthan, with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore, to boost India's offshore exploration efforts until FY2030-31. The scheme aims to catalyze reserves of over 600 million metric tonnes of oil equivalent (MMTOE). Key components include drilling 60 deepwater exploration wells (₹43,200 crore), offshore data acquisition (₹28,534 crore), developing common offshore infrastructure hubs (₹10,000 crore), and establishing oil and gas manufacturing and services zones (₹2,000 crore). This initiative seeks to reorient growth into the capital-intensive offshore exploration sector to enhance domestic energy security and overcome challenges from ageing oil and gas fields.
Union Cabinet approved the National Offshore Exploration Scheme Samudra Manthan with an outlay of ₹84,084 crore.
The scheme aims to boost India's offshore exploration and catalyze over 600 MMTOE of oil equivalent reserves by FY2030-31.
Key components include deepwater exploration drilling, data acquisition, infrastructure development, and manufacturing zones.
Exam Points
Scheme: National Offshore Exploration Scheme Samudra Manthan.
Bengaluru received the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon from the U.K. under the U.K.-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). This marks one of the earliest commercial outcomes of the trade pact, which eliminated India's previous 33% import tariff on Scottish salmon. Industry estimates suggest that CETA could generate up to £130 million in additional export opportunities for Scotland's salmon sector over the next decade, highlighting the economic benefits of the agreement.
Bengaluru received the first tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon from the U.K.
This marks an early commercial outcome of the U.K.-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
CETA eliminated India's 33% import tariff on Scottish salmon.
Exam Points
City: Bengaluru.
Product: Scottish salmon.
Agreement: U.K.-India Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Approximately 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory in 24 hours, a figure equivalent to 70% of the city's population. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez condemned the breach as a "violation of Spain's territorial integrity" and blamed human smugglers for deceiving young people and leading them to their deaths. While roughly half of the migrants voluntarily returned, the sudden influx triggered chaos and a humanitarian crisis. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen termed the situation "unacceptable," emphasizing adherence to EU rules.
About 60,000 migrants crossed from Morocco into Spain's Ceuta territory in 24 hours, causing a humanitarian crisis.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez blamed human trafficking gangs for the influx and called it a violation of territorial integrity.
Roughly half of the migrants voluntarily returned to Morocco.
Exam Points
Location: Ceuta, Spanish territory in North Africa.
An Amnesty International report, 'Made in India: The Supply of Weapons and Ammunition to Israel', suggests India risks complicity in "crimes against humanity" and "war crimes" in Gaza. The report uses trade data to show India became a significant supplier of military equipment to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025, with over 2,500 shipments, including small arms, ammunition, and components for artillery shells. It highlights that both private manufacturers (like PLR Systems, Indo-MIM) and government entities (like Munitions India) supplied weapons, indicating India's failure to regulate arms exports to Israel.
Amnesty International report alleges India risks complicity in Israel's war crimes in Gaza due to arms supplies.
India became a significant military supplier to Israel between October 2023 and November 2025.
Over 2,500 shipments of small arms, ammunition, and components were sent from India to Israel.
Exam Points
Report: 'Made in India: The Supply of Weapons and Ammunition to Israel' by Amnesty International.
UN Commission of Inquiry (Justice S. Muralidhar) conclusion: Israel's action in Gaza constituted genocide.
Period of supply: October 7, 2023, to November 30, 2025.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.