Flag of Indiaसत्यमेव जयते
Stylised Lion Capital of Ashoka

Pulse Bharat IAS Academy

Edition · Friday, 24 July 2026 · 0 Prelims · 10 Mains

EditionsToday30 Jul29 Jul28 Jul27 Jul26 Jul25 Jul24 Jul23 Jul22 JulAll 38 →
📅 You're viewing the edition for Friday, 24 July 2026. ← Back to today

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.

  • Govt. agreed to our request to hold talks on July 24 at neutral venue, says CJP “A discussion has been called for, we are very happy that the government has agreed to our request that it be at a neutral venue. The Constitution Club of India has been chosen,” Mr. Das said. — The Hindu
  • Pre-poll promises, post-poll precarity Launched in 2024 ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election, the Ladki Bahin scheme initially delivered a vital financial lifeline to farm widows in the mostly rain-starved Marathwada region. But with the political dust — The Hindu
  • Indore Cannot Be Ignored, Says Former Lok Sabha Speaker Sumitra Mahajan — Free Press Journal

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: United Breweries (₹1,394.20) Sensex, Nifty, Share Prices Live Updates: On Tuesday, the stock broke out of ₹1,370, opening the door for further rally — The Hindu BusinessLine
  • Trump Imposes Fresh 10% US Tariff On India In New Trade Move The United States unveiled fresh tariff slabs of 10 and 12.5 per cent on several economies under its Section 301 on Thursday. — NDTV
  • India Secures Lower 10% US Tariff After Being Initially Slated for 12.5% On June 14, India amended its foreign trade policy to prohibit the import of goods produced using forced labour. — Deccan Chronicle

International Relations

Note the country, the grouping/summit and India's stake — GS-II and General Awareness.

  • U.S. slaps 10% tariffs on goods imported from India over issue forced labour U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer announced the new tariffs on 60 countries under Section 301 of the Trade Act on July 24, a day before the expiration of 10% additional levies on all countries — The Hindu
  • Won’t forget India’s rescue of 12 Chinese crew members : China's defence attache — Times of India
  • US unveils fresh tariffs of up to 12.5% on 60 economies; rate for India lowered to 10% — Times of India

Social Issues & Welfare

Map the scheme to its ministry, target group and outlay — GS-II / RBI ESI.

  • Pre-poll promises, post-poll precarity Launched in 2024 ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly election, the Ladki Bahin scheme initially delivered a vital financial lifeline to farm widows in the mostly rain-starved Marathwada region. But with the political dust — The Hindu
  • Jantar Mantar protest updates: Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast; relieved, says CJP founder Dipke, but vows to continue protest till Pradhan resigns He broke the fast in the presence of two Union Ministers on certain conditions, he says; the government gave a written assurance that cases against students will be taken back if they are not violent, Mr. Dorjay says; th — The Hindu
  • Centre lines up fresh CPSE stake sales through OFS to fast-track ₹80,000-crore FY27 disinvestment goal The Centre is planning another round of CPSE minority stake sales via the OFS route to hit its ₹80,000-crore FY27 disinvestment target. Dipam is screening companies with over 60% government holding, prioritising market-b — Livemint

Environment & Ecology

Prelims staple — link the species/site/treaty and its protection status.

  • No Parliament business, four days into monsoon session Ongoing protests, P 22 — Times of India
  • Activist on hunger strike over Ken-Betwa river link project ends fast after 18 days Mr. Bhatnagar of Jai Kisan Sangathan had been on a hunger strike for 18 days and was leading the protest, where several people from Chhatarpur and Panna districts had been demonstrating since July 4 against the ₹44,000-c — The Hindu
  • Flood toll climbs to 47 in Assam; over 7 lakh affected Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says localised heavy rainfall 436% above normal and cloudbursts upstream in Nagaland combined to cause the unprecedented devastation — The Hindu

Science & Technology

Remember the agency (ISRO/DRDO), the mission name and its first/largest tag.

  • Government Bars Communication Infra Providers From Sharing Data Outside India The government has barred communication infrastructure providers, including those involved in cloud-based networks for telecom services, mobile towers and satellite gateways, from sharing any data outside the country, ac — NDTV · Latest
  • Pvt investment in space sector crosses $618 million: Minister Jitendra Singh to RS India's space sector has seen unprecedented momentum and growth. Private investment has now crossed six hundred million dollars. Over four hundred active space startups are contributing to national ambitions. Indian priv — Times of India
  • Naidu Calls for Visible, Tech-Driven Policing to Tackle Emerging Crimes CM Chandrababu Naidu urges AP police to adopt AI and visible policing to counter cybercrime, social media misuse and organised crime. — Deccan Chronicle

Defence & Security

Note the platform/exercise, indigenous content and the forces involved.

  • Low-Flying NSG Helicopter Draws Attention During Mangaluru Drill The helicopter was deployed as part of the NSG's Counter Terrorist Exercise, carried out at various locations in Mangaluru from July 22 to 25 to assess and strengthen security preparedness. — Deccan Chronicle
  • 2,500 detained, homes of 2 LeT terrorists razed in Kashmir after cop killing Security forces demolished two Lashkar-e-Taiba terrorist homes overnight in Kashmir. Over two thousand five hundred people were detained for questioning following a police killing. The operation aimed to dismantle terror — Times of India
  • ‘Operation Southern Readiness’ maritime security training engagement concludes in Kochi The four-day multinational maritime security training engagement was inaugurated on July 20, 2026 — The Hindu

Geography & Disaster Management

Locate it on the map; recall the physical feature or the agency (NDMA).

  • Flood toll climbs to 47 in Assam; over 7 lakh affected Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma says localised heavy rainfall 436% above normal and cloudbursts upstream in Nagaland combined to cause the unprecedented devastation — The Hindu
  • Assam Floods: 6 More Deaths In 24 Hours, Over 7 Lakh People Affected Assam Floods: The Assam flood toll rose to 47 with six more deaths reported on Thursday, while the number of people affected by the deluge increased to over 7.21 lakh in 11 districts, an official bulletin said. — NDTV
  • Flood alert for villages along Tillari, Chapora rivers NT Reporter Panaji Following the overflowing of the Tillari dam after heavy rainfall in Dodamarg and Tillari catchment areas, authorities in the state have issued a flood alert for villages located along the Tillari and — Navhind Times

Reports, Indices & Summits

Near-certain GA question — the publisher, India's rank and the metric.

  • Odisha Breaks Into NITI Aayog's Top Five Investment-Friendly States The ranking comes against the backdrop of the Mohan Charan Majhi government's push to position Odisha as a preferred investment hub through faster project clearances, modern industrial infrastructure, transparent governa — Deccan Chronicle
  • Anirudh Coach Of Hyderabad Ranji Trophy Team Youth was no barrier at the front, 11-year-old D. Aanya Reddy of the Secunderabad Sailing Club leads the Optimist Green girls’ fleet — the entry-level division where many of these sailors are racing their first national — Deccan Chronicle
  • US tariff threat drags Nifty Pharma 1.3% lower at close; Lupin, PPL Pharma lead decline Only two of the index’s 20 constituents ended in positive territory, while 18 declined — The Hindu BusinessLine

Art, Culture & History

Link the site/art form to its state, period and UNESCO/GI status.

  • Former Minister Donates Gold Ornaments, Cash To Srisailam Temple The couple donated Rs 3 lakh to the temple’s Nitya Annadanam scheme and presented gold bangles worth Rs 27 lakh to Goddess Bhramaramba as part of the Ashada festivities. — Deccan Chronicle
  • Man held for using duplicate keys to allow devotees worship at Arunachaleswarar temple in Tiruvannamalai — The Hindu · Tamil Nadu
  • Special committee constituted to verify Palani temple properties, says HR&CE Minister — The Hindu · Tamil Nadu

Awards & Sports

Quick recall — the winner, the field/event and the host/venue.

  • Anirudh Coach Of Hyderabad Ranji Trophy Team Youth was no barrier at the front, 11-year-old D. Aanya Reddy of the Secunderabad Sailing Club leads the Optimist Green girls’ fleet — the entry-level division where many of these sailors are racing their first national — Deccan Chronicle
  • Player auction for the inaugural edition of the Andhra Pickleball League championship More than 200 players have already registered and many international and national players would be in action in the League — Telangana Today
  • Messi expresses heartbreak after Argentina lose World Cup final Lionel Messi said Argentina's World Cup final defeat to Spain would take time to overcome but praised his teammates for reaching a second successive final. The Argentine captain also thanked supporters and congratulated — Telangana Today

Persons & Appointments

Classic who's-who — the person, the post, the predecessor and the body.

  • Jantar Mantar protest updates: Wangchuk breaks 26-day fast; relieved, says CJP founder Dipke, but vows to continue protest till Pradhan resigns He broke the fast in the presence of two Union Ministers on certain conditions, he says; the government gave a written assurance that cases against students will be taken back if they are not violent, Mr. Dorjay says; th — The Hindu
  • Utilisation Certificates of ₹92, 132.75 crore yet to be received by office, says CAG report, 2024-25 in Bihar “62,632 outstanding UCs of ₹ 92,132.75 crore were yet to be received by the Principal Accountant General (Accounts & Entitlements), Bihar as on March 31, 2025”, said the CAG report under the title of “Financial Reporting — The Hindu
  • J&K Govt to fast-track AI adoption for better governance Srinagar: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo on Thursday chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress made on the adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in governance in Jammu and Kashmir and the establishment — Kashmir Reader

🧠 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

10 analytical questions, each with a structured model answer

Attempt each in your notebook first, then expand the model answer to self-assess.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q1.Evaluate. Evaluate the implications of the data breach involving India's largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam, on national security and public trust. ▸ Model answer

The data breach at Kudankulam raises significant concerns regarding national security and the integrity of critical infrastructure.

  • The exposure of sensitive files related to a nuclear power plant poses a direct threat to national security, as it could provide adversaries with critical information about India's nuclear capabilities.
  • Such breaches can undermine public trust in the government's ability to safeguard sensitive information, leading to increased anxiety among citizens regarding the safety of nuclear energy.
  • The incident highlights the urgent need for robust cybersecurity measures in critical infrastructure sectors, particularly in energy and defense, to prevent future breaches.
  • Moreover, the breach could have international ramifications, affecting India's diplomatic relations with countries concerned about nuclear safety and security.
  • This situation calls for a comprehensive review of existing cybersecurity protocols and the implementation of stricter regulations to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

Way forward. In conclusion, addressing the vulnerabilities exposed by this breach is essential for maintaining national security and restoring public confidence in the management of critical infrastructure.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q2.Examine. Examine the implications of the Election Commission's new requirement for voters in Odisha to submit their parents' SIR details for electoral roll inclusion. ▸ Model answer

The Election Commission's new requirement for parental SIR details raises important questions about voter registration processes and inclusivity.

  • This requirement aims to enhance the accuracy of electoral rolls, ensuring that only eligible voters are registered, which is crucial for the integrity of the electoral process.
  • However, it may disproportionately affect marginalized groups who may lack access to documentation or face difficulties in obtaining their parents' SIR details, potentially disenfranchising them.
  • The move could also lead to increased bureaucratic hurdles, making the voter registration process more complex and less accessible for first-time voters, particularly the youth.
  • Moreover, this requirement may raise privacy concerns, as it involves sharing personal information that could be misused if not handled properly by authorities.
  • The Election Commission must ensure that adequate support systems are in place to assist potential voters in navigating this new requirement, promoting inclusivity in the electoral process.

Way forward. In conclusion, while the intention behind the new requirement is to improve electoral integrity, it is essential to balance this with the need for accessibility and inclusivity in the democratic process.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q3.Examine. Analyze the impact of the recent incident involving Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa on India-Ukraine relations, considering the implications for maritime trade and security. ▸ Model answer

The recent incident involving Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa has raised concerns about maritime security and trade relations between India and Ukraine.

  • The incident highlights the need for enhanced maritime security measures to protect Indian seafarers and cargo, particularly in high-risk areas such as the Black Sea.
  • The Ukrainian government's response to the incident, including providing assistance to the Indian authorities and offering compensation to the families of the deceased, has been seen as a positive step in strengthening bilateral relations.
  • The incident may also impact India-Ukraine trade relations, particularly in the maritime sector, which could have significant economic implications for both countries.
  • The incident may also lead to a re-evaluation of India's maritime trade policies and regulations to ensure that Indian seafarers are better protected while operating in high-risk areas.
  • The incident may also impact India's security concerns in the region, particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Way forward. The incident involving Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa has significant implications for India-Ukraine relations, highlighting the need for enhanced maritime security measures, improved bilateral cooperation, and a re-evaluation of India's maritime trade policies.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q4.Comment. Evaluate the role of the Delhi Riots in shaping the Indian political landscape, considering the impact on the AAP and the implications for national security. ▸ Model answer

The recent conviction of Tahir Hussain in connection with the Delhi Riots has significant implications for the Indian political landscape.

  • The Delhi Riots highlighted the need for effective governance and law enforcement in India, particularly in the context of communal tensions and riots.
  • The conviction of Tahir Hussain, a former AAP leader, has been seen as a positive step in holding those responsible for the riots accountable.
  • The incident may also impact the AAP's image and credibility, particularly in the context of its handling of the riots and its response to the subsequent investigation.
  • The incident may also have implications for national security, particularly in the context of the ongoing threat of communal violence and terrorism in India.

Way forward. The conviction of Tahir Hussain in connection with the Delhi Riots has significant implications for the Indian political landscape, highlighting the need for effective governance, law enforcement, and accountability in the context of communal tensions and riots.

GS-I10 marks · 150 words Q5.Examine. Discuss the impact of the recent passing away of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma on Indian politics, considering the implications for the JD(S) party and the nation's bereavement process. ▸ Model answer

The recent passing away of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda's wife Chennamma has sent shockwaves across the nation.

  • Chennamma was a respected figure in Indian politics, known for her social work and philanthropic efforts.
  • The JD(S) party's response to the passing away of Chennamma, including paying tribute to her memory and offering condolences to the family, has been seen as a positive step in demonstrating the party's respect for its founding leader's wife.
  • The incident may also impact the JD(S) party's image and credibility, particularly in the context of its handling of the passing away of Chennamma and its response to the subsequent bereavement process.
  • The incident may also have implications for the nation's bereavement process, particularly in the context of the passing away of a respected public figure.

Way forward. The passing away of Chennamma has significant implications for the JD(S) party and the nation's bereavement process, highlighting the need for respect, dignity, and compassion in the face of loss and grief.

GS-I10 marks · 150 words Q6.Discuss. Discuss the role of dialogue in resolving conflicts and the implications of the Centre's response to Anna Hazare's hunger strike. ▸ Model answer

The Centre's response to Anna Hazare's hunger strike highlights the importance of dialogue in resolving conflicts.

  • Dialogue can help resolve conflicts by allowing parties to express their concerns and find common ground.
  • The Centre's response to Anna Hazare's hunger strike may be seen as a test of his limits, but it also provides an opportunity for dialogue and finding a mutually acceptable solution.
  • The government's response to Anna Hazare's demands will have a significant impact on the outcome of the hunger strike and the future of India's governance.
  • The Centre's response to Anna Hazare's hunger strike also raises questions about the role of civil society in holding the government accountable.
  • A constructive dialogue between the Centre and Anna Hazare's team can help build trust and foster a more collaborative approach to governance.

Way forward. A constructive dialogue between the Centre and Anna Hazare's team is crucial in resolving the conflict and finding a mutually acceptable solution.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q7.Discuss. Examine the implications of the data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant on India's nuclear security and the role of the government in preventing such incidents. ▸ Model answer

The data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant highlights the vulnerability of India's nuclear security systems.

  • The data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant raises concerns about the security of India's nuclear facilities and the potential risks to national security.
  • The government's role in preventing such incidents is crucial, and it must take immediate action to strengthen the security measures at the plant.
  • The data breach also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the nuclear industry, particularly in terms of data management and security.
  • The government must also consider the implications of the data breach on the reputation of the nuclear industry and the potential impact on public trust.
  • Strengthening the security measures at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and implementing robust data management and security protocols are essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.

Way forward. The government must take immediate action to strengthen the security measures at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant and implement robust data management and security protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q8.Examine. Evaluate the impact of the recent deaths of four Indian seafarers on India's maritime industry and its implications for the country's economic growth. ▸ Model answer

The recent deaths of four Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa has raised concerns about the safety of Indian seafarers abroad.

  • The incident highlights the risks faced by Indian seafarers working abroad, particularly in countries with less stringent safety regulations.
  • The incident may impact India's maritime industry, particularly in terms of recruitment and retention of seafarers, as well as the country's economic growth through shipping and trade.
  • The incident may also lead to increased scrutiny of Indian seafarers working abroad, potentially affecting their employment prospects and career advancement.
  • The Indian government's efforts to secure compensation for the families of the deceased seafarers may also impact the country's relations with Ukraine and other countries in the region.
  • The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers working abroad.
  • The Indian government's response to the incident, including the provision of assistance to the affected families, demonstrates its commitment to protecting the interests of Indian citizens abroad.

Way forward. The deaths of four Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa has significant implications for India's maritime industry and its economic growth, highlighting the need for enhanced safety measures and compensation for affected families.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q9.Comment. Discuss the implications of the recent conviction of Tahir Hussain, former AAP leader, in the intelligence officer's murder case during the Delhi riots, considering the impact on the AAP's image and the country's governance. ▸ Model answer

The recent conviction of Tahir Hussain, former AAP leader, in the intelligence officer's murder case during the Delhi riots has raised concerns about the AAP's image and the country's governance.

  • The conviction highlights the AAP's failure to address internal conflicts and ensure accountability within the party, potentially damaging its image and credibility.
  • The conviction may also impact the country's governance, particularly in terms of the AAP's role in the Delhi government and its ability to effectively govern the city.
  • The conviction serves as a reminder of the need for effective governance and accountability in the country, particularly in the context of the Delhi riots.
  • The Indian government's response to the conviction, including the provision of support to the victims' families, demonstrates its commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice.
  • The conviction highlights the importance of addressing internal conflicts and ensuring accountability within political parties to prevent such incidents in the future.
  • The AAP's response to the conviction, including its decision to suspend Tahir Hussain, demonstrates its commitment to addressing internal conflicts and ensuring accountability within the party.

Way forward. The conviction of Tahir Hussain, former AAP leader, in the intelligence officer's murder case during the Delhi riots has significant implications for the AAP's image and the country's governance, highlighting the need for effective governance, accountability, and addressing internal conflicts.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q10.Discuss. Examine the implications of a data breach on national security, with reference to the recent exposure of files related to India's largest nuclear power plant, Kudankulam. ▸ Model answer

The recent data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant highlights the vulnerability of India's national security infrastructure.

  • A data breach can compromise sensitive information related to national security, including nuclear power plant operations and security protocols.
  • The exposure of files related to Kudankulam demonstrates the potential for cyber attacks to compromise national security.
  • The Indian government must take immediate action to strengthen its cybersecurity measures and prevent future data breaches.
  • The incident also highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the management of national security-related data.
  • The government must also consider the potential consequences of a data breach on public trust and confidence in the nuclear power sector.

Way forward. In conclusion, a data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant has significant implications for national security, and the Indian government must take immediate action to strengthen its cybersecurity measures and prevent future breaches.

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.

A free, ungated UPSC practice bank built from our live multi-source feed and the standard syllabus, added to every day. Always cross-check facts with official notifications and standard sources before your exam.