Kerala experienced intense rainfall from Friday night into Saturday, resulting in eight deaths, including three children, due to rain-related incidents like landslips and electrocution. Major landslips occurred in Idukki and Kottayam districts, and water levels rose in rivers, prompting authorities to open dam shutters. The State government has opened 65 relief camps, sheltering 1,465 people, and reported 17 houses completely destroyed. A red alert was issued for nine districts on Saturday, with an orange alert for 12 districts on Sunday, indicating more heavy rainfall.
Intense rainfall in Kerala led to eight deaths and widespread destruction, particularly in hilly regions.
Landslips in Idukki and Kottayam, flash-floods, and rising river levels necessitated opening dam shutters.
The State government established 65 relief camps, accommodating 1,465 people, and reported significant housing damage.
Exam Points
Eight people died in rain-related incidents in Kerala.
361 mm of rainfall recorded at Vadasserikkara in Pathanamthitta by 8:30 a.m. on Saturday.
65 relief camps were opened, sheltering 1,465 people.
Improved inflows into reservoirs in the Cauvery basin on Saturday, due to heavy rain in catchment areas, brought temporary relief to Karnataka amidst its ongoing dispute with Tamil Nadu over water release. The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) had directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, which had triggered protests from farmers citing poor storage levels. With the southwest monsoon becoming active, the situation has improved, and reservoir levels are expected to rise if rains continue, potentially easing the inter-state tension.
Heavy rainfall in the Cauvery catchment areas improved reservoir inflows in Karnataka.
This eased tensions regarding the Cauvery water sharing dispute with Tamil Nadu.
The CWRC had previously directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days, causing farmer protests.
Exam Points
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directed Karnataka to release water at 3,500 cusecs daily for 15 days.
The water level in Kabini reservoir was 2,281.43 feet, just 2.5 feet short of its full level of 2,284 feet.
Inflows into Harangi reservoir were 16,880 cusecs, with an outflow of 19,700 cusecs.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched the Lakshmi Yojana, a scheme providing ₹2,500 monthly assistance to eligible women, with over 33,730 registrations on its first day. Beneficiaries can choose to receive ₹1,000 in a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallet and ₹1,500 in a recurring/fixed deposit, or the full amount in a deposit. The scheme targets women aged 21-60, with an annual family income limit of ₹2.5 lakh, and requires a four-stage verification process, raising concerns among some applicants about documentation.
The Delhi Lakshmi Yojana provides ₹2,500 monthly financial assistance to eligible women.
Beneficiaries can opt for a split payment into a CBDC wallet and a recurring deposit, or the full amount into a deposit.
Eligibility criteria include age (21-60), annual family income (up to ₹2.5 lakh), Delhi residency for 10 years, and specific electricity consumption and asset ownership limits.
The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has petitioned the Supreme Court to compel Karnataka to release Tamil Nadu's allotted share of Cauvery water. The application seeks to enforce the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) and Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) directives for a daily flow of 3,500 cusecs at Biligundlu. DMK also requested Karnataka to compensate for an accumulated backlog of 9.46 TMC, proposing a release of 7,000 cusecs daily for 15 days. The party highlighted the severe impact on 14.913 lakh acres of agricultural land and millions of farmers in Tamil Nadu's delta districts due to non-release of water.
DMK filed an application in the Supreme Court against Karnataka over the Cauvery water dispute.
The plea seeks enforcement of CWRC and CWMA directives for water release to Tamil Nadu.
DMK requested Karnataka to make good an accumulated backlog of 9.46 TMC.
Exam Points
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC) directed release of 3,500 cusecs per day.
Accumulated backlog of 9.46 TMC (thousand million cubic feet) as on July 26, 2026.
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha's Kendrapara district reopened to tourists on Saturday after a three-month closure for the annual crocodile nesting season (May 1 to July 31). Authorities have implemented a complete ban on plastics within the park. The park is now open for day visitors and overnight guests at forest rest houses and eco-tourism cottages. This measure aims to protect the estuarine crocodiles and maintain the ecological integrity of the mangrove forest.
Bhitarkanika National Park in Odisha has reopened to tourists.
The park was closed for three months for the annual crocodile nesting season.
A complete ban on plastics has been imposed within the park.
Exam Points
Park name: Bhitarkanika National Park.
Location: Kendrapara district, Odisha.
Closure period: May 1 to July 31 (for crocodile nesting).
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced that all pending applications for citizenship under the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the State would be processed within the next six months. He clarified that the CAA grants citizenship and does not deprive anyone of it, countering previous misinformation. A total of 2,30,605 applications have been received from across the State, with Nadia district recording the highest number of beneficiaries. The CM made this announcement at a CAA certificate distribution programme in New Town.
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari announced a six-month deadline for clearing all pending CAA applications.
He clarified that CAA is for granting, not depriving, citizenship.
A total of 2,30,605 applications have been received in West Bengal.
Exam Points
Law: Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA).
Total applications in West Bengal: 2,30,605.
District with highest beneficiaries: Nadia (10,191 certificates).
Leader of the Opposition Pinarayi Vijayan criticized the United Democratic Front (UDF) government's claim that Kerala could not withdraw from the Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI) scheme once the MoU was signed. Vijayan cited Union Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary's July 29 reply in the Rajya Sabha, which indicated that states can withdraw. Vijayan accused the UDF of betraying the people and surrendering to the Sangh Parivar by agreeing to implement the scheme after opposing it in opposition, and reiterated the LDF's stance of freezing and formally informing the Centre about its decision to withdraw.
Pinarayi Vijayan challenged the UDF government's claim about inability to withdraw from PM SHRI scheme.
He cited Union Minister Jayant Chaudhary's Rajya Sabha reply confirming states can withdraw.
Vijayan accused the UDF of political subservience and betraying the people.
Exam Points
Scheme name: Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM SHRI).
Union Minister of State for Education: Jayant Chaudhary.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport at Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh, and dedicated development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore. The new greenfield airport, built at a cost of over ₹5,640 crore, is designed to handle six million passengers annually and is the first in the State since its 2014 bifurcation. Modi highlighted these projects as symbols of Andhra Pradesh's progress and potential as a growth engine for "Viksit Bharat," also laying the foundation for a semiconductor manufacturing facility and inaugurating a cultural youth centre.
PM Modi inaugurated the Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport in Bhogapuram, Andhra Pradesh.
The airport is a greenfield project, the first in the state since 2014 bifurcation.
Development projects worth over ₹17,900 crore were dedicated, covering infrastructure, road connectivity, and energy security.
Exam Points
Airport name: Alluri Sitarama Raju International Airport.
Ten districts downstream of the Mahanadi river in Odisha have been placed on high alert as the Hirakud Dam continues to release water through 22 gates. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stated that floods have affected around eight lakh people across 20 districts. While water levels are receding in northern Odisha, authorities are closely monitoring vulnerable downstream districts like Cuttack, Puri, Khurda, Jagatsinghpur, and Kendrapada. Approximately 2.69 lakh people have been evacuated and accommodated in 700 relief camps.
Ten districts downstream of the Mahanadi river in Odisha are on high alert due to water release from Hirakud Dam.
Hirakud Dam is releasing water through 22 gates.
Floods have affected around eight lakh people across 20 districts in Odisha.
Supreme Court judge Justice Ujjal Bhuyan stated that the Collegium's lack of transparency in judicial appointments creates loopholes, potentially allowing individuals with unconstitutional views into the judiciary. He cited a former Allahabad High Court judge's derogatory remarks about a minority community as an example. Justice Bhuyan noted that recent Collegium statements often lack reasons for elevation recommendations, a departure from past practice. He emphasized that transparency in judicial appointments is crucial for public trust and accountability, while also addressing concerns about misuse of livestreamed court proceedings.
Justice Ujjal Bhuyan criticized the Collegium's lack of transparency in judicial appointments.
He warned that this opacity could lead to unsuitable appointments in the judiciary.
Recent Collegium recommendations often lack explicit reasons for elevations, unlike previous practices.
Exam Points
Supreme Court judge: Justice Ujjal Bhuyan.
Report: 'The Judicial Transparency Index: Assessing Disclosure of Information by the Supreme Court and the High Courts'.
Judgment cited: 2018 Swapnil Tripathi judgment (on livestreaming).
Cross-border trade between India and China through Shipki La, an ancient Silk Route connecting India with Tibet, resumed on Saturday after a six-year gap. Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off 16 traders towards Shipki village in Tibet. The trade will operate on a barter system, and a modern trade mart (Chhuppan Trade Mart) was inaugurated to facilitate it. The Minister highlighted that the resumption of trade would boost the economy of border areas, create employment opportunities, and strengthen commercial activities in the region.
Cross-border trade between India and China has resumed via Shipki La after six years.
Shipki La is part of the ancient Silk Route connecting India with Tibet.
The trade will primarily operate on a barter system.
India's Gross Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in July grew by 15.4% to over ₹2.11 lakh crore, primarily boosted by higher mop-up from sales and imports. This reflects sustained domestic consumption and economic resilience. Tax collection from domestic transactions increased by 10.1% to over ₹1.44 lakh crore, while gross revenues from imports surged by 29% to ₹66,511 crore. Experts note that steady monthly growth in GST collections indicates domestic consumption is becoming insulated from seasonal variations and external headwinds, showcasing economic stability.
GST collections in July increased by 15.4% to over ₹2.11 lakh crore.
The growth was primarily driven by higher mop-up from sales and imports.
Domestic transactions contributed a 10.1% increase in tax collection.
President Droupadi Murmu has given her assent to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, making it law. This amended legislation empowers states to establish fast-track courts for speedy trials and enhances punishment for those involved in public examination question paper leaks. Investigations must now be completed within two months, and trials within three months of chargesheet filing. The law mandates jail terms of five to ten years and fines up to ₹50 lakh for offenders, aiming to curb exam malpractices and ensure fair selections.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, has received Presidential assent.
The law mandates fast-track courts for speedy trials of paper leak cases.
Investigations must be completed within two months, and trials within three months.
Exam Points
Law name: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Investigation timeline: two months.
Trial completion timeline: three months (from chargesheet filing).
More than 3,000 Group A officers from Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), including gallantry awardees and women officers, have moved the Supreme Court to challenge the Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026. They argue the Act makes it harder for CAPF cadre officers to be promoted to leadership positions by reserving a high percentage of senior posts for IPS officers on deputation. The petitioners seek to declare Sections 3 and 4 of the Act as "ultra vires" and demand implementation of a May 2025 Supreme Court ruling that favored CAPF cadre promotions.
Over 3,000 CAPF Group A officers have challenged the CAPF (General Administration) Act, 2026, in the Supreme Court.
The Act is criticized for reserving a high percentage of leadership posts for IPS officers on deputation.
Petitioners argue this hinders promotion opportunities for CAPF cadre officers.
Exam Points
Law challenged: Central Armed Police Force (General Administration) Act, 2026.
Number of officers: over 3,000.
CAPF posts reserved for IPS officers: 50% of IG, 67% of ADG, all SDGs and DGs.
Following Union government directives, IITs and IIMs will introduce voluntary urine drug testing for incoming students this year, with results kept confidential and anonymized to avoid impacting admissions. This initiative, part of the Narcotics Control Bureau's 'Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29', aims to screen 10 lakh students across 170 centrally-funded higher education institutes over three years. The tests, based on guidelines from AIIMS's National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, are solely for preventive health and support, not disciplinary action, and will cover substances like amphetamines, cocaine, and marijuana.
IITs and IIMs will implement voluntary drug testing for incoming students.
Test results will be confidential, anonymized, and will not affect admission or academic status.
The initiative is part of the Narcotics Control Bureau's 'Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29'.
Exam Points
Institutions: IITs, IIMs (starting this year).
Policy source: Narcotics Control Bureau's 'Vision Document on Narcotics Control 2026-29'.
Target: Screen 10 lakh students across 170 centrally-funded higher education institutes.
The Union government has approved the advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from its share of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) to seven flood-affected states for the ongoing monsoon season. Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Nagaland had already received their first installment, and Himachal Pradesh and Odisha will now receive their second. Advance release of first installments for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, and Maharashtra was approved by relaxing documentary requirements, ensuring timely availability of funds for relief operations and strengthening response measures in these states.
The Union government approved advance release of ₹2,117.85 crore from the SDRF to seven flood-affected states.
Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, and Nagaland had already received their first installment.
Himachal Pradesh and Odisha will receive their second installments.
India is navigating a complex strategy to balance trade and investment relations with both China and the U.S., involving gradual relaxations in long-held policies. Data shows a significant increase in the rejection rate of anti-dumping duty recommendations, particularly against China, from 2020 onwards, coinciding with a shift in focus from finished products to intermediate goods. While this boosts trade, it raises political sensitivities. India also amended its FDI policy in 2020, mandating government approval for investments from land-bordering countries, but later relaxed it to allow up to 10% Chinese ownership in firms.
India is pursuing a balancing act in its trade and investment policies with China and the U.S.
There's been a notable increase in the rejection of anti-dumping duty recommendations, especially against China, since 2020.
This shift aligns with India's focus on importing intermediate goods and raw materials from China for domestic production and exports.
Exam Points
Data source: Centre for Digital Economy Policy (C-DEP).
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced that its concessional swap facility, designed to encourage foreign currency inflows, had mobilized $40.82 billion by July 31. Introduced on June 5, the facility has garnered significant interest and attracted steady forex inflows. This initiative is part of a broader series of steps taken by the RBI to strengthen India's balance of payments, including offering concessional swaps for fresh FCNR(B) deposits, OFCB, and ECB inflows. The measure aims to enhance liquidity and stability in the foreign exchange market.
RBI's concessional swap facility mobilized $40.82 billion by July 31.
The facility was introduced on June 5 to encourage foreign currency inflows.
It has attracted steady forex inflows and significant interest.
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has penalized Zee Entertainment Ltd. and its promoters, Subhash Chandra and Punit Goenka, with a ₹1.5 crore fine and a one-year ban from the stock market. The action was taken for corporate misgovernance, specifically for diverting company assets to benefit promoter-linked entities. SEBI's quasi-judicial authority, N. Murugan, found that ZEEL's Hyderabad property was pledged to borrow ₹726 crore from IHFL without board or audit panel approval, a transaction that Mr. Goenka failed to disclose or prevent despite his knowledge.
SEBI penalized Zee Entertainment Ltd. and its promoters for corporate misgovernance.
A fine of ₹1.5 crore was imposed, along with a one-year ban from the stock market.
The misgovernance involved diverting company assets to benefit promoter-linked entities.
Exam Points
Regulatory body: Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).
As wildfires rage in France and Spain, communities are adopting an innovative solution: using donkeys as 'firefighters' to prevent blazes. Initiatives like Tivissa Donkey Firefighters in Spain rehabilitate abandoned donkeys and deploy them to graze on dry grass and scrubland, reducing flammable vegetation in high-risk areas. This method is a cheaper and effective way to slow fires and reduce their intensity. The founder, Joan Cedo Sans, highlights donkeys' greater appetite and sturdiness compared to other grazing animals, and their trails also aid firefighting teams.
Donkeys are being used as 'firefighters' in Europe to prevent wildfires.
They graze on dry vegetation, reducing the amount of flammable material in high-risk areas.
This method is a cost-effective and efficient way to mitigate fire intensity and spread.
Exam Points
Initiatives: Tivissa Donkey Firefighters, El Burrito Feliz (Spain).
Founder of Tivissa Donkey Firefighters: Joan Cedo Sans.
The Lodha Theoretical Physics Institute (LTPI), a new private-sector research center, aims to foster discoveries by offering physicists an environment free from bureaucratic constraints. Founded by Jainendra K. Jain, the institute will be smaller than existing centers like TIFR, with a narrow scope focusing solely on theoretical physics. It will maintain 10-12 full-time faculty members and be entirely funded by private money, specifically a $100 million endowment from the Lodha Foundation. The model emphasizes freedom from administrative burdens, allowing researchers to concentrate on breakthrough scientific discoveries rather than citation counts.
The Lodha Theoretical Physics Institute (LTPI) is a new private-sector research center for theoretical physics.
It aims to provide an environment free from bureaucratic constraints, focusing solely on research.
The institute will be smaller, with 10-12 faculty members, and will not initially award PhDs.
Exam Points
Institute name: Lodha Theoretical Physics Institute (LTPI).
Founding director: Jainendra K. Jain.
Funding source: Lodha Foundation ($100 million over 8-10 years).
Scientists have found direct molecular evidence confirming that European colonists introduced smallpox to South America. Researchers recovered the first ancient smallpox genomes from human remains in Chile, revealing strains belonging to a now-extinct lineage that branched from European strains around 1296. The analysis showed that the virus adapted to human hosts until the mid-16th century, then remained stable for 200 years. This discovery provides concrete proof of how smallpox, brought by colonists, devastated Indigenous populations in the Americas.
Direct molecular evidence confirms European colonists introduced smallpox to South America.
Ancient smallpox genomes were recovered from human remains in Chile.
The strains belonged to an extinct lineage that diverged from European strains around 1296.
The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) issued a circular clarifying that qualified and registered practitioners of Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa are legally recognized medical practitioners and cannot be termed "quacks." The clarification was issued due to reports of ISM practitioners being targeted and harassed. NCISM emphasized the distinction between qualified ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals falsely claiming to practice medicine. It also clarified that legal recognition as an ISM practitioner does not automatically grant authority to practice modern (allopathic) medicine, which depends on state laws and court rulings.
NCISM clarified that qualified and registered ISM practitioners are legally recognized and not "quacks."
The clarification was prompted by reports of harassment against ISM practitioners.
It distinguishes between legitimate ISM practitioners and unqualified individuals.
Exam Points
Regulatory body: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
Act: National Commission for Indian System of Medicine Act, 2020.
Systems of medicine: Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, Sowa-Rigpa.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, passed by Parliament and assented by the President, aims to curb exam malpractices through time-bound investigations and speedy trials. It mandates investigations to be completed within 60 days and trials within three months in designated fast-track courts. Penalties for general offenses are increased to 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine, with higher penalties for organized crime networks. The Bill also restricts court adjournments and transfers existing cases to new fast-track courts, addressing procedural delays and systemic pendency.
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, aims to curb exam malpractices.
It mandates investigations within 60 days and trials within three months in fast-track courts.
Penalties for general offenses are 5-10 years imprisonment and up to ₹50 lakh fine.
Exam Points
Bill name: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026.
Investigation timeline: 60 days.
Trial timeline: three months (from chargesheet filing).
Yemen's Houthi-run maritime coordination body has denied reports that it plans to impose fees on commercial ships transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait. The body stated that no such decision had been taken and that passage through the strategic waterway remains free. This denial comes amidst ongoing tensions and disruptions to international shipping in the Red Sea region, which have seen Houthi attacks on vessels in recent months, impacting global trade routes.
Houthis denied plans to impose fees on commercial ships in the Bab el-Mandeb strait.
They stated that passage through the strategic waterway remains free.
The denial comes amid ongoing tensions and disruptions to Red Sea shipping.
Spain announced it will install a 500-meter-long containment barrier on the sea border between its North African territory of Ceuta and neighboring Morocco. This decision follows a recent surge where nearly 60,000 migrants breached the frontier, resulting in 67 deaths from drownings and stampedes. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez criticized some EU leaders' "selfish, polarizing, and unlawful reaction" to the events, emphasizing that Spain remains relentless against lawbreakers. The new barrier aims to manage migration flows and prevent future breaches.
Spain will install a 500-meter-long containment barrier on Ceuta's sea border with Morocco.
The decision follows a surge of nearly 60,000 migrants breaching the frontier, causing 67 deaths.
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez criticized some EU leaders' reactions as "selfish" and "unlawful."
Exam Points
Location: Ceuta (Spanish territory in North Africa), border with Morocco.
U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor, met with Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to discuss bilateral ties, trade, investment, and regional cooperation. Gor urged Bangladesh to join the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative, which aims to reduce reliance on Chinese tech dominance by focusing on critical minerals, energy, semiconductors, and AI infrastructure. He highlighted Bangladesh's potential as a partner in global economic security and expressed confidence in PM Rahman's leadership for returning stability to Bangladesh, noting the U.S. has revised its travel advisory for the country.
U.S. Special Envoy Sergio Gor met Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman to discuss bilateral relations.
Gor urged Bangladesh to join the U.S.-led Pax Silica initiative.
Pax Silica aims to reduce reliance on Chinese tech dominance in critical minerals, energy, semiconductors, and AI.
Exam Points
U.S. Special Envoy for South and Central Asia: Sergio Gor (also U.S. Ambassador to India).
Bangladesh PM: Tarique Rahman.
Initiative: Pax Silica.
Read more
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.