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Your daily UPSC current-affairs edition — a syllabus-wise brief from India's newsrooms, then the day's Prelims MCQs and Mains model answers. Free, ungated, added to every day. Practice the full growing bank (173 MCQs · 400 Mains) →
📰 Today's Current Affairs
Organised by syllabus head — read the brief, then test yourself below
Polity & Governance
Prelims favourite — fix the constitutional provision/Article and the authority involved.
After CJP's Parliament march, govt opens talks, seeks end to stir, but offers no assurances Union minister JP Nadda met two CJP representatives Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka and said the government was approached by the group to present their demands. — Hindustan Times
Separate seats, unresolved loyalties: Speaker's TMC call defers real constitutional question Between directions and the Tenth Schedule, Om Birla wears two hats, but they must not be swapped — The Federal
Strong Q1 sets stage for FY27 growth as UltraTech bets on cables business ET Intelligence Group: UltraTech Cement's June 2026 quarter performance was in line with expectations. The country's largest cement manufacturer by volume delivered its strongest-ever first quarter numbers in terms of vo — Economic Times
Economy & Finance
Tie this to the indicator and its latest figure; recurs in Prelims & Bank GA.
Sensex today | Stock Market Live: Stock to buy today: Home First Finance Company India (₹1,271) – BUY Sensex, Nifty, Share Prices LIVE: Home First Finance Company India share price can rise to ₹1,400 — The Hindu BusinessLine
Strong Q1 sets stage for FY27 growth as UltraTech bets on cables business ET Intelligence Group: UltraTech Cement's June 2026 quarter performance was in line with expectations. The country's largest cement manufacturer by volume delivered its strongest-ever first quarter numbers in terms of vo — Economic Times
Trying to time the market? Missing the best trading days can dent returns Mumbai: Trying to time the market may not be the best strategy for retail investors. A study by Abakkus Mutual Fund shows that missing even a few of the market's strongest trading days can erode long-term returns. The as — Economic Times
International Relations
Note the country, the grouping/summit and India's stake — GS-II and General Awareness.
Tirupati Begins First Mango Pulp Exports To UK Under India-UK FTA Jayabharath Reddy said the India-UK FTA had opened new export opportunities for horticultural products from AP. — Deccan Chronicle
Four Indian seafarers killed near Ukrainian port Odessa Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister say five crew still missing — The Hindu
Indus Waters Treaty will not remain operational in its present form, says official He says India has placed the treaty in “abeyance” after the Pahalgam terror attack and ever since there has been no change in Pakistan’s sponsorship of terrorists — The Hindu
Social Issues & Welfare
Map the scheme to its ministry, target group and outlay — GS-II / RBI ESI.
Safety vs biz concerns split India's pilots as Gulf tensions rage again Renewed tensions in West Asia have ignited a debate over the safety of civilian flights to the region. A section of Indian pilots has sought a suspension of flights, but the country's largest pilots' body argues airlines — Livemint
118 Cops Injured, 70 Detained After CJP Protest Turns Violent In Delhi CJP Protest: Police said around 70 protesters have been detained and legal proceedings have been initiated. — NDTV · Latest
More than half of Odisha’s PVTG adult women anaemic, says a study by Utkal University Among PVTGs, the Hill Kharia shows the highest stunting prevalence at 82.76%, a distressing figure that signifies a critical public health emergency, the study raises alarm — The Hindu
Environment & Ecology
Prelims staple — link the species/site/treaty and its protection status.
India basmati acreage seen rising as strong prices offset monsoon risks Farmers in Punjab, Haryana, western Uttar Pradesh and parts of Jammu are also expected to expand cultivation of short-duration basmati varieties, which mature about three weeks earlier than traditional varieties — Livemint
Dehradun-Mussoorie road shut after cracks appear amid heavy rains Dehradun-Mussoorie road shut after cracks appear amid heavy rains — India Today
Six killed in floods, landslips in Northeast Railway authorities cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated several passenger train services in Assam. At least 25 people have been killed across four States since the last week of June — The Hindu
Science & Technology
Remember the agency (ISRO/DRDO), the mission name and its first/largest tag.
Defence ministry seeks firms for Rs 15,000 cr high-altitude airship project India's defence ministry seeks domestic firms for airship-based pseudo satellites. These platforms will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The program aims to offer lower-cost — Times of India
NTA rebuts claims of 5, says NEET-UG OMR sheets forged The National Testing Agency has refuted claims of OMR answer sheet discrepancies from five NEET-UG candidates. Images circulated by these candidates were reportedly digitally altered or regenerated using artificial intel — Times of India
TNPDCL workers launch strike— The Hindu · Coimbatore
Defence & Security
Note the platform/exercise, indigenous content and the forces involved.
Defence ministry seeks firms for Rs 15,000 cr high-altitude airship project India's defence ministry seeks domestic firms for airship-based pseudo satellites. These platforms will provide persistent intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. The program aims to offer lower-cost — Times of India
Four Indian seafarers killed near Ukrainian port Odessa Ukrainian Acting Foreign Minister say five crew still missing — The Hindu
Operation Southern Readiness gets under way with focus on tackling non-traditional maritime threats— The Hindu · Kerala
Geography & Disaster Management
Locate it on the map; recall the physical feature or the agency (NDMA).
Six killed in floods, landslips in Northeast Railway authorities cancelled, diverted, or short-terminated several passenger train services in Assam. At least 25 people have been killed across four States since the last week of June — The Hindu
1 Killed, Several Trapped In Sikkim Tunnel After Landslide Triggers Gas Leak Officials said methane levels inside the tunnel remained high initially that rescuers were unable to reach the location — NDTV
7 killed in landslide in Jammu and Kashmir as rain toll hits 21 The J&K Police actively participated in the rescue operation at Domail Dhok after a tragic landslide hit a mud house, claiming seven lives; rescue efforts are continuing in coordination with all agencies concerned, said — The Hindu
Reports, Indices & Summits
Near-certain GA question — the publisher, India's rank and the metric.
Telangana Improves in National Performance Grading Index but Lags in Learning Outcomes Telangana climbed to 18th in the national PGI rankings, but learning outcomes remained a key concern despite gains in overall school education performance. — Deccan Chronicle
Telangana among top FDI hubs despite 13th rank in NITI Aayog index— TOI · Hyderabad
Raj ranks 10th in NITI Aayog’s ‘Investment Readiness Index’— TOI · Jaipur
Art, Culture & History
Link the site/art form to its state, period and UNESCO/GI status.
Supreme Court orders new SIT into Ram temple donation theft, will monitor probe The Supreme Court has taken over the Ayodhya Ram Mandir fund embezzlement investigation. Local police have been removed from the probe, which will now be led by a senior IPS officer. The Shri Ram Teerth Kshetra Trust mus — Times of India
Thousands witness ‘Hera Panchami’ ritual in Odisha’s Puri as Rath Yatra festivities continue Puri, Jul 20 (PTI) Thousands of devotees thronged the Gundicha Temple in Puri on Monday to witness the ‘Hera Panchami’ ritual, which symbolises the divine love and playful marital discord between Lord Jagannath and Godde — The Print
Telangana: Varsha Pashupath Varuna Yagam Begins At Yadagirigutta Temple The rituals began with Ganapathi Puja, Punyahavachanam, Rakshabandhan and Akhanda Deeparadhana, following which temple priests commenced the Varuna Yagam: Reports — Deccan Chronicle
Awards & Sports
Quick recall — the winner, the field/event and the host/venue.
CISF to host All India Police Judo Cluster Championship in Hyderabad The CISF will host the 11th All India Police Judo Cluster Championship at Hyderabad's GMC Balayogi Indoor Stadium from July 23. Around 1,600 athletes from 36 police and CAPF organisations will compete in five martial art — Telangana Today
PM Modi congratulates Indian Teams on outstanding performance at International Olympiads Prime Minister Narendra Modi has congratulated the Indian team for securing four gold medals at the 58th International Chemistry Olympiad. In a social media post, Mr Modi said that this was India’s best-ever performance — News on AIR
Indian Polo Day: Jaipur Polo Team delivers stellar performance to lift Jaipur Trophy in London— TOI · Jaipur
Persons & Appointments
Classic who's-who — the person, the post, the predecessor and the body.
Odisha Chief Secy Reviews PM Awas Yojana, Health & Education Schemes with Collectors; Strengthens Nasha Mukta Bharat Abhiyan In a major push for grassroots governance and development, Chief Secretary Anu Garg on Saturday chaired a high-level review meeting with all District Collectors of Odisha at the Conference Hall of Lok Seva Bhawan. All Co — Pragativadi
2 Officers Get New Postings As Odisha Govt Effects Minor IAS Reshuffle Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Monday effected a minor reshuffle in the IAS cadre with new postings for two senior officers. While 2012-batch officer Poma Tudu was appointed as Additional Secretary in the ST & SC — Odisha Bytes
Uravakonda Gavimath Pontiff Passes Away The Uravakonda Gavimath has a network of about 770 branches across Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. — Deccan Chronicle
🧠 Prelims MCQs
0 current-affairs questions · tap an option to reveal the explanation
Today’s Prelims questions are being prepared — check back shortly.
✍️ Mains — Model Answers
7 analytical questions, each with a structured model answer
Attempt each in your notebook first, then expand the model answer to self-assess.
GS-I10 marks · 150 wordsQ1.Discuss. Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's order on the governance of Tamil Nadu, with reference to the role of the state government and the rights of citizens.▸ Model answer
The Supreme Court's recent order on banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu has sparked a debate on the governance of the state and the rights of citizens.
The order highlights the need for a balance between the rights of citizens and the interests of the state, as the state government has taken steps to prevent animal slaughter in public places.
The Supreme Court's intervention raises questions about the role of the judiciary in governance and the limits of state power.
The order also highlights the importance of protecting animal welfare and the need for stricter laws to prevent animal cruelty.
The state government's decision to allow animal sacrifice in enclosed spaces away from public places is a pragmatic solution that balances the rights of citizens with the interests of the state.
The order serves as a reminder of the need for effective governance and the importance of protecting the rights of citizens in a democratic society.
Way forward. The Supreme Court's order on banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu highlights the need for a balance between the rights of citizens and the interests of the state, and serves as a reminder of the importance of effective governance in a democratic society.
GS-I10 marks · 150 wordsQ2.Discuss. Comment on the need for an independent probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple, with reference to the role of the state government and the rights of citizens.▸ Model answer
The recent allegations of embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple have sparked a debate on the need for an independent probe.
The alleged embezzlement of donations raises questions about the role of the state government in ensuring the integrity of the temple and the rights of citizens who donated to the temple.
An independent probe is necessary to ensure that the allegations are investigated fairly and that the rights of citizens are protected.
The state government's decision to allow donations to the temple is a matter of public interest, and an independent probe is necessary to ensure that the donations are used for their intended purpose.
The probe also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds and the protection of citizens' rights.
The decision serves as a reminder of the need for effective governance and the importance of protecting the rights of citizens in a democratic society.
Way forward. An independent probe into the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ayodhya Ram temple is necessary to ensure that the allegations are investigated fairly and that the rights of citizens are protected.
GS-I10 marks · 150 wordsQ3.Comment. Comment on the significance of the passing of Chennamma, wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, in the context of Indian political history and the role of women in politics.▸ Model answer
The demise of Chennamma, wife of H.D. Deve Gowda, marks a poignant moment in Indian political history, reflecting on the often-overlooked contributions of women in politics.
Chennamma's life and her support for her husband during his political career exemplify the critical yet frequently unrecognized role women play in shaping political narratives.
Her passing serves as a reminder of the personal sacrifices made by families of political leaders, often overshadowed by public life.
The legacy of women like Chennamma can inspire future generations to engage in politics, emphasizing the importance of female representation in governance.
This event also opens discussions on the need for greater recognition and support for women in political roles, both as leaders and as supporters.
Way forward. In summary, Chennamma's legacy highlights the essential contributions of women in politics, urging society to acknowledge and promote their roles in shaping democratic processes.
GS-I15 marks · 250 wordsQ4.Evaluate. Evaluate the implications of the data breach involving files related to India's largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, focusing on cybersecurity and national security concerns.▸ Model answer
The recent data breach concerning the Kudankulam nuclear power plant raises significant concerns regarding cybersecurity and national security.
The exposure of sensitive files related to a critical infrastructure facility like Kudankulam poses serious risks, potentially compromising operational security and safety protocols.
This incident underscores the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures to protect vital national assets from cyber threats, which are increasingly sophisticated and prevalent.
The breach may lead to public anxiety regarding the safety of nuclear facilities, necessitating transparent communication from the government to reassure citizens about safety measures in place.
It also highlights the importance of international cooperation in cybersecurity, as threats often transcend national borders and require collaborative responses.
The incident could prompt a reevaluation of existing cybersecurity policies and the implementation of stricter regulations to safeguard sensitive information.
Way forward. In conclusion, the Kudankulam data breach serves as a critical reminder of the vulnerabilities in national security infrastructure, necessitating immediate action to enhance cybersecurity frameworks.
GS-I15 marks · 250 wordsQ5.Discuss. Discuss the implications of the Supreme Court's order on the governance of Tamil Nadu.▸ Model answer
The recent Supreme Court order banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu has significant implications for the governance of the state.
The order highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to animal welfare, balancing the rights of farmers with the rights of animals.
The state government's decision to ban cow slaughter in public places may lead to increased tensions between farmers and animal welfare groups.
The Supreme Court's intervention raises questions about the role of the judiciary in regulating state policies, particularly in areas of social and cultural significance.
The order may also have implications for the state's economy, particularly in rural areas where cow slaughter is a significant source of income for farmers.
The Supreme Court's decision underscores the need for a more inclusive and participatory approach to governance, involving diverse stakeholders in decision-making processes.
Way forward. The Supreme Court's order on cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu highlights the need for a more nuanced approach to governance, balancing competing interests and values.
GS-I15 marks · 250 wordsQ6.Discuss. Examine the implications of the conviction of Tahir Hussain on the AAP's image and the future of Delhi's politics.▸ Model answer
The conviction of Tahir Hussain, a former AAP leader, has significant implications for the party's image and the future of Delhi's politics.
The conviction highlights the AAP's struggles with internal governance and the need for stronger leadership to address corruption and factionalism.
The incident may lead to a loss of public trust in the AAP, potentially affecting its chances in future elections.
The conviction also raises questions about the AAP's ability to govern effectively and its commitment to democratic values.
The incident may lead to a split within the party, with some members distancing themselves from Hussain and others defending his actions.
Way forward. The conviction of Tahir Hussain serves as a wake-up call for the AAP to address its internal issues and rebuild public trust in order to maintain its relevance in Delhi's politics.
GS-I10 marks · 150 wordsQ7.Discuss. Comment on the significance of Chennamma's passing and its impact on Karnataka's politics.▸ Model answer
The passing of Chennamma, the wife of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda, has significant implications for Karnataka's politics.
Chennamma's passing marks the end of an era in Karnataka politics, as she was a key figure in her husband's political career.
Her passing may lead to a power struggle within the JD(S) party, with some members vying for control.
The incident may also affect the party's chances in future elections, as it may lead to a split within the party.
Way forward. Chennamma's passing is a significant loss for Karnataka's politics, and her legacy will continue to shape the state's politics in the years to come.
Model answers are AI-drafted from recent news for answer-writing practice — treat them as a starting skeleton, then enrich with static syllabus, data and examples of your own.
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