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Edition · Saturday, 25 July 2026 · 0 Prelims · 8 Mains

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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.

  • 93 retired officials seek judicial probe into Delhi police action on students 93 retired officials seek judicial probe into Delhi police action on students — India Today
  • SC: Will go the extra mile to fix issues, make NEET foolproof Ready To Go '10 Extra Miles', Says Govt; Court Seeks Plan By Aug 3 — Times of India
  • Home Minister Amit Shah talks to slain policeman’s family in Kashmir; govt. to support studies of victim’s son Mr. Shah expressed his condolences and extended support to the victim’s son during a visit of BJP leader and Leader of Opposition (LOP) Sunil Sharma to the deceased policeman’s house in Budgam’s Beerwah area — The Hindu

Economy & Finance

Tie this to the indicator and its latest figure; recurs in Prelims & Bank GA.

  • EAM Jaishankar emphasises India’s unwavering commitment to create modern, transparent legal environment External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has emphasised India’s unwavering commitment to create a modern, transparent and internationally compatible legal environment. Addressing the inaugural session of international c — News on AIR
  • India lands at 10% under US forced-labour tariff, escapes steeper 12.5% India avoids a steeper US tariff, with exports facing a 10% Section 301 duty from Friday after New Delhi tightened rules against forced-labour imports. — Hindustan Times
  • Tickled pink: India’s sushi craze drives surge in imports of ginger palate cleanser The growing trend of sushi in India has drastically increased imports of Gari, pickled sushi ginger. This reflects changing dining habits and wider mainstream acceptance of Japanese cuisine. — Livemint

International Relations

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

  • EAM Jaishankar emphasises India’s unwavering commitment to create modern, transparent legal environment External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar has emphasised India’s unwavering commitment to create a modern, transparent and internationally compatible legal environment. Addressing the inaugural session of international c — News on AIR
  • Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization یکطرفہ پالیسیوں، بین الاقوامی معاہدوں کی خلاف ورزی اور طاقت کے غیرقانونی استعمال پر ایران کی تشویش چولپون آتا (کرغستان) ۔ 24 جولائی (ایجنسیز) ایران نے شنگھائی تعاون تنظیم کے — سیاست
  • No deal with Centre, ended fast fearing crackdown like Ladakh: Wangchuk No deal with Centre, ended fast fearing crackdown like Ladakh: Wangchuk — Hindustan Times

Social Issues & Welfare

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

  • Tickled pink: India’s sushi craze drives surge in imports of ginger palate cleanser The growing trend of sushi in India has drastically increased imports of Gari, pickled sushi ginger. This reflects changing dining habits and wider mainstream acceptance of Japanese cuisine. — Livemint
  • Indore Development Authority Reclaims 11 Encroached Row Houses In Scheme 114 — Free Press Journal
  • Barnala lathi-charge row: Punjab DSP suspended after sanitation workers' protest Barnala lathi-charge row: Punjab DSP suspended after sanitation workers' protest — India Today

Environment & Ecology

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

  • Tigers to be introduced in Buxa Tiger Reserve in West Bengal on October 2 Senior officials of the West Bengal Forest Department said that bringing tigers to Buxa from Sundarban may not be a good idea. Tigers may be introduced in Buxa from similar landscape of Assam and Bihar — The Hindu
  • Maharashtra Rain Raises River Levels In Belagavi Farmers in villages along the riverbanks are closely monitoring the water levels amid fears that further rise in the rivers could affect standing crops. — Deccan Chronicle
  • West Bengal Minister vows to restore mangroves lost to encroachments in Sundarbans The State holds the largest share of mangrove cover in India, accounting for 42.45% of the national total with approximately 2,119.16 sq. km. — The Hindu · Kolkata

Science & Technology

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

  • Google fined $1 billion by European Commission برسلز۔ 24 جولائی (ایجنسیز) یورپی یونین نے دیگر کمپنیوں کو دبانے کیلئے مبینہ طور پر سرچ انجن کے شعبے میں بالادستی کو استعمال کرنے پر گوگل پر بھاری جرمانہ عائد — سیاست
  • Plea in Delhi HC challenges internet shutdown around Jantar Mantar protest site Delhi High Court hears plea challenging internet shutdown near Jantar Mantar protest, citing unconstitutional and arbitrary suspension orders. — The Hindu
  • Indore Aurobindo Becomes First College In Madhya Pradesh To Use GPS-Like Precision Tech For Brain Surgery — Free Press Journal

Defence & Security

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

  • Anantnag attack aftermath: Intensify area domination, step up intelligence-led ops: J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat A police spokesman said DGP Prabhat directed the officers to intensify area domination and night domination, particularly in vulnerable and urban areas, to deter anti-national elements and maintain a strong police presen — The Hindu
  • Supreme Court to hear petitions against alleged police excesses at CJP march Police continuing to use excessive force against student protesters, counsel tells court; CRPF says it is verifying media reports on pellet injuries; CJP to launch website to archive videos and photos documenting ‘police — The Hindu
  • Army Officer's Son, 20, Killed After Car Falls Into Drain In Delhi A 20-year-old student pursuing higher education in the US died after he drove his car into a drain in Vasant Kunj — NDTV

Geography & Disaster Management

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

  • Sikkim tunnel disaster revives debate: How much can the Himalayas take? Three years after the catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood, the tragedy raises concerns over gross oversight, ignored geological warnings, and the true cost of 'green energy' — The Federal
  • Assam CM blames illegal construction in Jorabat hills for floods in Guwahati GUWAHATI, July 24: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday directly pointed to unchecked development in the Jorabat hills of Meghalaya as a major reason behind Guwahati’s recurring flash floods, warning that t — Shillong Times
  • Amid rain & fresh landslides, Jammu-Srinagar NH closure enters Day 3 Torrential rains have caused fresh landslides across Jammu and Kashmir. The Jammu-Srinagar National Highway remains closed for traffic for a third day. Major pilgrimages, including Amarnath and Vaishno Devi Yatras, are s — Times of India

Reports, Indices & Summits

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

  • State launches its own PGI ranking for 11,443 schools SHILLONG, July 24: Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui on Thursday released the Meghalaya School Performance Grading Index (MSPGI) 2025-26, the state’s first-ever school-level assessment framework. The index evaluates all — Shillong Times
  • 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

Art, Culture & History

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

  • Temple Theft Gang Busted; 12 Cases Solved In Bhopal — Free Press Journal
  • ‘Bomdila Connect’ to revive West Kameng’s tourism legacy [ Prem Chetry ] BOMDILA, 24 Jul: The inaugural ‘Bomdila Connect’ – a cultural festival to revive the town’s rich cultural, historical and tourism legacy – was organised here in West Kameng district on Friday. Kalaktang M — Arunachal Times
  • RIWATCH has potential to become global hub for research, studies: Guv ITANAGAR, 24 Jul: Governor KT Parnaik said that the Research Institute of World’s Ancient Traditions, Cultures and Heritage (RIWATCH) has the potential to become a global hub for comparative civilisational studies, indig — Arunachal Times

Awards & Sports

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

  • Doping violations hit Indian contingent at the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow One athlete, a judoka, totally failed the test, while the other had to leave the contingent on account of prior violations by Indian weightlifters. — HT Sports
  • 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

Persons & Appointments

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

  • This is a generation that does not fear governments. Education Minister resigns نوجوانوں سے ٹکرا کر مودی نے غلطی کی ۔ بنگلہ دیش اور نیپال حکومتوں کے حشر کو یاد رکھا جائے : کے ٹی آرحیدرآباد ۔ 24 ۔ جولائی : ( — سیاست
  • Chief Secy reviews J&K’s digital push with BISAG-N SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday led a high-level review in Srinagar on July 24 to assess the progress of IT and e-Governance projects across Jammu and Kashmir, implemented in collaboration with BISAG-N. T — Kashmir Reader
  • Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Resigns, likely to focus on 2027 Punjab polls The resignation of the MoS for Railways and Food Processing Industries was accepted by President Droupadi Murmu, who is currently overseas, with immediate effect — The Federal

🧠 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

8 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.Examine. Examine the implications of the deaths of four Indian seafarers near the Ukrainian port of Odessa on India's maritime workforce and international maritime laws. ▸ Model answer

The tragic deaths of four Indian seafarers near Odessa underscore the risks faced by maritime workers and the complexities of international maritime laws.

  • This incident raises concerns about the safety and security of Indian seafarers operating in conflict zones, highlighting the need for better protective measures and support from the Indian government.
  • The ongoing conflict in Ukraine complicates maritime operations, necessitating a review of international maritime laws to ensure the safety of crew members from various nations.
  • The Indian government may need to engage with international maritime organizations to advocate for the rights and safety of its seafarers, ensuring they are protected under international law.
  • This incident could lead to increased scrutiny of shipping companies regarding their operational protocols in high-risk areas, potentially resulting in stricter regulations and oversight.
  • Moreover, the emotional and financial impact on the families of the deceased seafarers calls for enhanced support systems and compensation mechanisms from both the government and maritime employers.

Way forward. In conclusion, addressing the safety of seafarers and reinforcing international maritime laws will be crucial in safeguarding the interests of Indian maritime workers in volatile regions.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q2.Critically Analyse. Critically analyse the conviction of former AAP leader Tahir Hussain for the murder of an intelligence officer during the Delhi riots, focusing on its implications for communal harmony and political accountability. ▸ Model answer

The conviction of Tahir Hussain for the murder during the Delhi riots raises critical questions about communal harmony and the accountability of political leaders.

  • This case exemplifies the challenges of maintaining communal harmony in a diverse society, as political figures involved in communal violence can exacerbate tensions among communities.
  • The conviction serves as a precedent for holding political leaders accountable for their actions, potentially deterring future instances of violence and promoting a sense of justice among affected communities.
  • However, it also raises concerns about the politicization of legal proceedings, where the outcomes may be influenced by public sentiment and political affiliations rather than impartial justice.
  • The case highlights the need for comprehensive measures to address the root causes of communal violence, including education, dialogue, and community engagement initiatives.
  • Furthermore, it underscores the importance of a robust legal framework that ensures swift and fair trials for all individuals involved in communal riots, irrespective of their political background.

Way forward. Ultimately, the conviction of Tahir Hussain should prompt a broader discourse on communal harmony and the responsibilities of political leaders in fostering a peaceful society.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q3.Evaluate. Evaluate the significance of India's approval of the first dengue vaccine amid rising disease burden, considering public health implications and vaccine accessibility. ▸ Model answer

The approval of the first dengue vaccine in India marks a pivotal moment in public health strategy against the rising burden of dengue fever.

  • This vaccine approval represents a significant advancement in preventive healthcare, potentially reducing the incidence of dengue and alleviating the burden on healthcare systems across the country.
  • With dengue cases on the rise, the vaccine offers a new tool for public health officials to combat outbreaks, particularly in endemic regions where the disease poses a substantial threat to communities.
  • However, the accessibility of the vaccine to the general population remains a critical concern, necessitating government intervention to ensure equitable distribution and affordability.
  • Public awareness campaigns will be essential to educate citizens about the vaccine's benefits and encourage uptake, particularly in vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.
  • The introduction of the vaccine also calls for ongoing surveillance and research to monitor its effectiveness and address any potential side effects, ensuring public trust in vaccination programs.

Way forward. In conclusion, while the dengue vaccine represents a significant step forward in public health, ensuring its accessibility and public acceptance will be crucial for its success in combating dengue fever in India.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q4.Examine. Comment on the implications of the recent conviction of Tahir Hussain for the murder of an intelligence officer during the Delhi riots, considering the impact on the AAP and the country's democratic institutions. ▸ Model answer

The recent conviction of Tahir Hussain for the murder of an intelligence officer during the Delhi riots has raised concerns about the rule of law and democratic institutions in India.

  • The conviction highlights the need for accountability and the rule of law in India, particularly in cases involving high-profile politicians and officials.
  • The conviction may impact the AAP's reputation and credibility, particularly in the wake of the Delhi riots, which were widely criticized for their handling by the party.
  • The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of democratic institutions and the rule of law in preventing such incidents and promoting social justice.
  • The Indian government's efforts to ensure that the justice system functions independently and impartially demonstrate its commitment to upholding the law.
  • The conviction highlights the need for greater transparency and accountability in the investigation and prosecution of such cases.
  • The incident may also lead to increased scrutiny of the AAP's handling of the Delhi riots and its response to the allegations of rioting and violence.

Way forward. The conviction of Tahir Hussain for the murder of an intelligence officer during the Delhi riots highlights the need for greater accountability and the rule of law in India's democratic institutions.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q5.Discuss. How do data breaches like the one at Kudankulam nuclear power plant affect national security and public trust in India? ▸ Model answer

The recent data breach at the Kudankulam nuclear power plant highlights the vulnerability of India's critical infrastructure to cyber threats.

  • Data breaches can compromise sensitive information and put national security at risk, as seen in the case of the Kudankulam nuclear power plant.
  • The breach of sensitive information can also erode public trust in the government's ability to protect critical infrastructure.
  • India's nuclear power plants are critical to the country's energy security, and a data breach can have far-reaching consequences for the nation's energy sector.
  • To mitigate the risks of data breaches, the government must invest in robust cybersecurity measures and establish clear guidelines for data protection.
  • Furthermore, the government must also engage with the public to build trust and confidence in its ability to protect critical infrastructure.

Way forward. Data breaches like the one at Kudankulam nuclear power plant can have significant implications for national security and public trust in India, highlighting the need for robust cybersecurity measures and clear guidelines for data protection.

GS-I10 marks · 150 words Q6.Discuss. What are the implications of the Madras High Court's order banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu, and how can it be addressed? ▸ Model answer

The recent order by the Madras High Court banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu has sparked controversy and raised questions about the impact on animal welfare and public health.

  • The order banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu has significant implications for animal welfare, as it restricts the practice of animal sacrifice and slaughter.
  • However, the order also raises concerns about public health, as cow slaughter is often linked to the spread of diseases.
  • The government must engage with the public and stakeholders to address the concerns and find a balance between animal welfare and public health.
  • The order can be addressed by implementing measures to prevent animal suffering and promoting humane treatment of animals.
  • Ultimately, the success of the order depends on the ability of the government to balance competing interests and find a solution that benefits both animal welfare and public health.

Way forward. The Madras High Court's order banning cow slaughter in Tamil Nadu has significant implications for animal welfare and public health, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that addresses competing interests.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q7.Examine. Analyze 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 limited safety regulations and enforcement.
  • The deaths may impact India's maritime industry, particularly in the shipping and cargo sectors, where Indian seafarers play a critical role.
  • The incident also raises questions about the preparedness of Indian authorities to respond to such incidents, and the need for improved safety measures and training for Indian seafarers.
  • The incident may also have implications for India's economic growth, particularly in the shipping and cargo sectors, where Indian seafarers are a critical component.
  • However, the incident also highlights the importance of international cooperation in ensuring the safety of seafarers abroad, and the need for improved coordination between governments and industry stakeholders.
  • Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing the safety and well-being of Indian seafarers 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 improved safety measures, training, and international cooperation.

GS-I15 marks · 250 words Q8.Comment. Evaluate the role of the Delhi Riots in shaping the narrative on communal violence in India, considering the impact on the AAP and the country's electoral politics. ▸ Model answer

The recent conviction of Tahir Hussain in connection with the Delhi Riots has raised questions about the role of the AAP in shaping the narrative on communal violence in India.

  • The Delhi Riots were a significant turning point in the AAP's electoral fortunes, highlighting the party's inability to address communal tensions and violence in the city.
  • The conviction of Tahir Hussain may impact the AAP's electoral prospects, particularly in the upcoming elections, where communal violence and tensions are likely to be a major issue.
  • The incident also raises questions about the role of the media in shaping the narrative on communal violence in India, and the need for more nuanced and balanced reporting on the issue.
  • The AAP's response to the incident, including its criticism of the court's verdict, highlights the party's continued commitment to its communal agenda.
  • However, the incident also highlights the need for the AAP to take a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing communal tensions and violence in the country.
  • Ultimately, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing communal tensions and violence in India, and the need for more effective and inclusive governance.

Way forward. The conviction of Tahir Hussain in connection with the Delhi Riots highlights the need for the AAP to take a more nuanced and inclusive approach to addressing communal tensions and violence in India.

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.