PAIPrelimsAI

Current affairs — 1 July 2026

35 prelims-relevant stories, each distilled into quick facts — with a 35-question quiz at the end.

Geographysiang-mega-dam

Deep trust deficit stalling Siang mega dam in Arunachal Pradesh

India’s proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh is stalled by local opposition despite strategic aims linked to Chinese upstream dams, flood buffering and hydropower.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • China’s dam-building on the upper reaches in Tibet has prompted India to propose an 11,000-megawatt dam on the Siang River.
  • The Siang Upper Multipurpose Project consolidates two 2013 MoU proposals of 6,000 MW Stage-I and 3,750 MW Stage-II.
  • The proposed project near Geku village has a tentative investment of ₹1,13,000 crore and a height of 280-300 metres.
  • The river is known in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, enters India near Gelling, and later joins the Dibang and Lohit to form the Brahmaputra.
  • Local protests have blocked NHPC pre-feasibility studies, while estimates of displaced or affected villages range from 27 to up to 300.
Indian Economyiip-data-doubts

Data doubts: On the latest IIP dataset

The editorial says May 2026 IIP growth reached 5.1% but raises doubts about demand composition, MoSPI’s delayed deflator change and divergence from core-sector data.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Economy (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • India’s Index of Industrial Production grew 5.1% in May 2026, a five-month high, after 4.9% growth in April.
  • The manufacturing sector grew 5.5% in May, though this was slower than its growth in April.
  • Consumer durables and non-durables grew at multi-month highs, with consumer durables doing well in April and May.
  • MoSPI changed the deflator for some sectors from the Wholesale Price Index to the new Producer Price Index.
  • The Index of Eight Core Sectors grew at its second-lowest rate in 21 months in May, despite strong IIP growth.
Environmentgiant-african-snail

Giant African snails enter school campuses in Tirunavaya, raising health concerns for children

The invasive giant African snail has entered school campuses in Tirunavaya, raising public health concerns because it can carry rat lungworm and its mucus may trigger allergies.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The invasive giant African snail, Lissachatina fulica, is spreading across Tirunavaya panchayat and has entered school campuses.
  • Health experts warned that the snail can carry Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the rat lungworm parasite that can cause eosinophilic meningitis.
  • Keerthy Vijayan led a KFRI study with researchers from the University of Nottingham, the Natural History Museum in London and an UAE agency.
  • The giant African snail is native to East Africa and is listed by the IUCN among the world’s 100 worst invasive species.
  • The snail was found in all 14 Kerala districts by 2022 and in more than 270 locations across the State by 2023.
Polity & Governanceright-to-counsel

Ayodhya Bar boycott: Supreme Court has said even the ‘wicked’ have the right to a lawyer

The Faizabad Bar’s decision to deny representation to accused persons in the Ram Temple embezzlement case is contrasted with the Supreme Court’s 2010 A.S. Mohammed Rafi ruling that every accused has a fundamental right to counsel.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Faizabad Bar passed a resolution to deny legal representation to accused persons in the Ram Temple embezzlement case.
  • The article cites the 2010 Supreme Court judgment in A.S. Mohammed Rafi versus State of Tamil Nadu.
  • Justices Markandey Katju and Gyan Sudha Misra declared such Bar resolutions wholly illegal and against professional ethics.
  • The judgment referred to Article 22(1), which protects an arrested person’s right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of choice.
  • The Bar Council of India Rules require an advocate to accept a brief unless special circumstances justify refusal.
Polity & Governanceelectoral-rolls

INDIA bloc writes to CJI on ‘biased conduct’ of EC; DMK, AAP sign letter

Twenty-three Opposition parties sent a joint memorandum to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant alleging biased conduct by the Election Commission over Special Intensive Revision exercises, even as the Supreme Court had already upheld the Bihar SIR on May 27.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Twenty-three Opposition parties sent a joint memorandum to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant alleging biased conduct by the Election Commission.
  • The memorandum highlighted Special Intensive Revision exercises in States such as West Bengal and Bihar and the ongoing exercise in other States.
  • The DMK and Aam Aadmi Party signed the letter, though AAP is not part of the INDIA bloc and DMK had skipped the bloc meeting.
  • The decision to send the joint letter was taken during an INDIA bloc meeting held in Delhi on June 8.
  • On May 27, the Supreme Court unanimously upheld the SIR in Bihar under Article 324 and Section 21(3) of the Representation of the People Act, 1950.
Polity & Governancecitizenship

The legal systems under which citizenship is acquired | Explained

The explainer contrasts two bases for acquiring citizenship: jus soli, where place of birth determines citizenship, and jus sanguinis, where parents’ citizenship determines it. It frames this around Donald Trump’s executive order limiting future U.S. citizenship to children of citizens or green-card holders.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Citizenship is defined in the article as full and equal membership of a country.
  • Hannah Arendt is quoted as describing citizenship as the ‘right to have rights’.
  • Jus soli means ‘right of soil’, where citizenship is determined by place of birth irrespective of parents’ citizenship.
  • The article lists Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Argentina among countries following jus soli for children born within their territory.
  • Jus sanguinis means ‘right of blood’, where a child’s citizenship is determined by the citizenship of the parents.
Scienceai-governance

U.S. government lifts restrictions on powerful AI models, Anthropic says

Anthropic said the U.S. Department of Commerce lifted export controls on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5, allowing global access to resume. Earlier restrictions were imposed on national-security grounds after authorities found safeguard vulnerabilities in the frontier AI models.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Anthropic said the U.S. Department of Commerce lifted export controls on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
  • U.S. authorities had earlier blocked access to the models on national-security grounds.
  • The government forced Anthropic to cut off access on June 12 after finding vulnerabilities in safeguards against misuse.
  • Four days before the announcement, Anthropic had received authorization for a small group of American cybersecurity firms to access Mythos 5.
  • CIA Director John Ratcliffe compared the capabilities of advanced AI models to digital nuclear weapons at an AWS summit in Washington.
Environmentbengal-fox

Tamil Nadu’s elusive Bengal foxes and their shrinking space

The article notes that Bengal fox sightings in Tamil Nadu have become sparse as agriculture, urbanisation and hunting shrink their dry grassland habitats. Forest officials say the species is now known only from pockets in Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Madurai and Villupuram.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Energy & Environment (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Bengal fox is identified in the article by the scientific name Vulpes bengalensis.
  • Bengal foxes are known for monogamous behaviour, according to the article’s opening note.
  • Traditional Sangam literature referred to Bengal foxes as common in the dry, arid grasslands of south India.
  • Forest officials said the species is now known only in pockets of Dharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Madurai and Villupuram.
  • The article cites expanding agriculture, urbanisation into traditional strongholds and hunting as reasons for sparse sightings.
Scienceebola-outbreak

Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to 1,333

The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 1,333 confirmed Ebola cases in its latest outbreak, with deaths reported across eastern provinces. Authorities are tracing contacts in Tshopo and Haut-Uele after movement of a positive corpse and infected contacts raised fears of wider spread.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo reported 1,333 confirmed Ebola cases in the latest outbreak.
  • Cases were recorded in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
  • The outbreak was declared on May 15, according to the article’s government-data account.
  • A pregnant woman’s body was transported about 300 km from Ituri’s Niania health zone to Kisangani in Tshopo province before testing positive.
  • Haut-Uele neighbours Ituri and also shares borders with South Sudan and the Central African Republic.
Indian Economymanufacturing-pmi

Manufacturing PMI slows to 54.2 in June, second-lowest in four years

The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI slowed to 54.2 in June 2026, its second-lowest level in four years. The survey said new orders, output, buying, employment and international sales cooled, with the capital goods sector driving the slowdown, though a reading above 50 still indicated expansion.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Economy (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The HSBC India Manufacturing PMI slowed to 54.2 in June 2026, its second-lowest level in four years.
  • A PMI reading above 50 denotes expansion in activity, while a reading below 50 implies contraction.
  • The only lower manufacturing PMI reading in the four-year period was in March 2026.
  • The report said the capital goods sector was the primary driver of the June slowdown.
  • International demand improved in June, but the pace of growth was the weakest in 39 months.
Current Affairsrussia-ukraine-war

Ukrainian drone attacks on oil refineries plunge Russia into a summer fuel crisis

Repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil infrastructure have triggered fuel rationing and queues across Russia. The article reports over 50 attacks since late March, June crude processing down 25%, gasoline production down 17%, and about one-third of refining capacity offline.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • An AP count cited over 50 reported Ukrainian attacks on Russian oil refineries, depots, terminals and other oil infrastructure since late March.
  • Russia processed 3.95 million barrels per day of crude oil into fuel in June, down 25% from a year earlier, according to Gary Peach.
  • Gasoline production fell 17% to 850,000 barrels a day from 1.03 million barrels a day a year earlier.
  • Chris Weafer estimated that about one-third of Russia’s oil refining capacity was offline.
  • By late June, some form of gas rationing was reported in over half of Russia’s regions.
Environmentavian-diversity

Assam duo launches digital bird repository with avian identification guide

Assam birders Chirantanu Saikia and Abhilash Gayan launched Pokkhi, a digital repository listing 372 resident and migratory bird species recorded in Assam. It gives Assamese and English names, brief descriptions, IUCN status and a guide to field-identification terms.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Energy & Environment (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Pokkhi currently features 372 resident and migratory bird species recorded in Assam, with Assamese and English common names.
  • Each species entry on Pokkhi includes a brief description and its IUCN conservation status.
  • The platform lists 321 species as least concern or having stable populations, out of 372 species featured.
  • Pokkhi records eight critically endangered species, including the Bengal florican and Yellow-breasted bunting.
  • Its identification guide explains field marks such as supercilium, lore, tarsus and vent for birdwatchers.
Environmentheatwave

Spain records more than 1,000 heat-related June deaths

Spain attributed at least 1,028 deaths to a June heatwave as the first half of 2026 became its hottest first six months on record. Aemet said June 2026 was the second-hottest June, while World Weather Attribution linked Europe’s severe heatwave to climate change.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Spain recorded at least 1,028 heat-related deaths during the recent heatwave, according to the public Carlos III Health Institute.
  • June 2025 had 407 heat-attributed deaths in Spain and was described by Aemet as Spain’s hottest June since records began.
  • The first six months of 2026 were Spain’s hottest first semester on record, with temperatures 1.6°C above normal on average.
  • June 2026 was Spain’s second-hottest June, with temperatures on average 3.2°C above the norm, according to Aemet.
  • World Weather Attribution said the late-June European heatwave would have been virtually impossible in June without climate change.
Current Affairssanctions

U.S. removes four Indian companies from Russia-related sanctions list

The U.S. removed four Indian companies from OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List. The companies had earlier faced Russia-related sanctions over alleged supplies of dual-use equipment, radar and navigational apparatus, microelectronics and machine tools.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The delisting was from OFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List.
  • The four Indian firms were RRG Engineering Technologies, Lokesh Machines, Galaxy Bearings and Shaurya Aeronautics.
  • Galaxy Bearings had been sanctioned in October 2024 over alleged exports of roller bearings and roller assemblies to Russian entities.
  • Shaurya Aeronautics had been accused of sending radar apparatus, radio navigational aid apparatus and radio remote control apparatus to Russia.
  • RRG Engineering Technologies had been accused of over 100 shipments of microelectronics to SDN-listed Russia-based Arteks Limited Company.
Sciencematerials-physics

Scientists use budget tech to probe long-standing physics mystery

An IIT-Delhi study of rutile oxides found that metallic oxides stiffen on cooling in a way the Klemens model cannot explain. Using an indigenously developed low-temperature Raman scattering facility, researchers linked the anomaly to electron-phonon interactions relevant to materials research.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Science (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The study compared rutile oxides, which share the same crystal structure although titanium dioxide is an insulator and ruthenium dioxide is a good conductor.
  • The research was driven partly by debate over whether ruthenium dioxide has altermagnetism, described as a rare and unconventional type of magnetism.
  • The IIT-Delhi team used Raman scattering, measuring changes in laser light after it bounced off vibrating atoms in the material.
  • Samples were cooled from room temperature down to –262.15°C using an indigenously developed low-temperature Raman scattering facility at IIT-Delhi.
  • The metallic rutile oxides stiffened more on cooling than the Klemens model predicted, pointing to electron-phonon interactions in the lattice.
Current Affairsstrait-of-hormuz

In the Strait of Hormuz, Iran draws its red lines

The article analyses Iran’s attempt to retain control over the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israel war. A June 17 U.S.-Iran MoU promises 60 days of toll-free commercial passage, but leaves future administration to Iran-led talks with Oman and other Persian Gulf littoral states.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea through the Gulf of Oman.
  • Iran asserted control over the waterway after the U.S. joined Israel in launching war against Iran on February 28, 2026.
  • Article 5 of the June 17 U.S.-Iran MoU promises safe commercial passage with no charges for only 60 days.
  • The MoU says Iran will remove mines and other technical impediments within 30 days of signing the memorandum.
  • Iran wants vessels to use its designated route and coordinate with the newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority.
Indian Economyfiscal-federalism

Why managing fiscal is a tightrope for State governments

The article explains that State debt often reflects a mismatch between development aspirations and limited fiscal capacity, not merely fiscal mismanagement. It notes that States bear major social and economic sector spending while tax powers rest largely with the Union, and compares social expenditure in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Economy (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • State deficits arise when expenditure exceeds tax and other receipts, and the gap is usually financed through market borrowings.
  • The article states that tax-raising power in India rests largely with the Union government.
  • Most State expenditure is on social sectors like health and education and economic sectors like agriculture and irrigation.
  • For 2020-23, per capita State social expenditure was 30% higher in Kerala and 20% higher in Tamil Nadu than the all-State average.
  • For 2020-23, per capita State social expenditure was 35% lower in Bihar and 40% lower in Uttar Pradesh than the all-State average.
Indian Economygst

GST at 9 — Revenues up 14% in June 2026 but dependence on imports increased, domestic sales lagged

GST revenue grew 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, the highest growth rate in 13 months, but import-linked collections drove much of the rise. Domestic transaction revenue grew 6.5% to about ₹1.35 lakh crore. Experts flagged issues including input tax credits, disputes, multiple registrations and inverted duty structure.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Economy (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • GST revenue grew 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, the highest growth rate in 13 months.
  • GST revenue from domestic transactions grew 6.5% to about ₹1.35 lakh crore in June 2026.
  • Domestic transactions formed 69% of total GST revenue in June 2026, down from 74% in June last year.
  • Import revenue growth was in double digits for the 16th consecutive month and exceeded domestic growth for the 10th straight month.
  • Tax experts flagged input tax credits, dispute resolution, multiple registrations and inverted duty structure as issues still needing reform.
Sciencedigital-governance

Govt issues notice to WhatsApp over username feature

MeitY sent WhatsApp a notice over its planned username feature, asking for an explanation within three days and advising the company not to proceed until consultations are held. The government cited risks of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation, while WhatsApp said safeguards against impersonation and spam are built in.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • MeitY sent the notice to WhatsApp’s chief compliance officer in India over the planned username feature.
  • The notice sought a detailed explanation on the username feature within three days.
  • The government cited risks of online fraud, phishing, digital arrest scams and impersonation attacks.
  • WhatsApp said high-profile names and lookalike derivatives of known names are being held to prevent impersonation.
  • The article says WhatsApp has over 800 million users in India, more than a fourth of its global 3 billion user base.
Polity & Governancecensus

Demography panel to study population changes post 2011 Census, prepares detailed questionnaire for States

The High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes will ask States for details of population changes and new settlements since the 2011 Census, and seek SIR deletion data from the Election Commission. The panel, headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar, was constituted to study demographic changes linked to illegal immigration and abnormal reasons.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The HLCDC will seek State-wise details of population changes and increases in settlements since the 2011 Census.
  • Population Census 2027 is being conducted after a 16-year gap from the last Census conducted in 2011.
  • The House Listing and Housing Operations phase is set to conclude on September 30 this year.
  • The SIR has been completed in 13 States and UTs, with 6.5 crore names deleted from electoral rolls.
  • The committee is headed by retired Supreme Court judge Justice Prakash Prabhakar Navlekar.
Environmentforest-conservation

THE HINDU IMPACT | Kerala HC initiates suo motu PIL into tree-felling on CHR land in Idukki

The Kerala High Court registered a suo motu PIL over alleged large-scale tree-felling and unauthorised construction on about 296 acres of cardamom title land at Gudanpara Estate in Idukki. The case raises issues of biodiversity loss, forest-law enforcement and protection of the Cardamom Hill Reserve.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The suo motu PIL concerns about 296 acres of cardamom title land at Gudanpara Estate in Idukki.
  • Gudanpara Estate falls under the Ponmudi Forest Section of the Devikulam Range.
  • Three Forest department cases have been registered over the alleged felling of rare tree species.
  • The estate is described as containing more than 600 varieties of trees and wildlife habitat.
  • A separate CHR case last year involved over 1,000 indigenous trees felled on 40 acres at Uchilukuth in Santhanpara.
Indian Economyinfrastructure

Cabinet approves the construction of 4/6 lane Access-Controlled Kanpur-Kabrai section of NH-34 in Uttar Pradesh on BOT (Toll) Mode at total Capital Cost of Rs.7145.14 crore

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved a 117.7 km Kanpur–Kabrai access-controlled greenfield highway on NH-34, costing Rs.7145.14 crore, to be implemented by NHAI on BOT (Toll) mode as part of the Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The approved Kanpur–Kabrai corridor is 117.7 km long and is planned as a four-lane access-controlled greenfield highway.
  • The project is part of the Bhopal–Kanpur Economic Corridor under the National Highways (O) Programme.
  • NHAI will implement the Rs.7145.14 crore project on BOT (Toll) mode, along with operation and maintenance of the existing NH-34 section.
  • The corridor is designed for 80–100 kmph operating speeds and is expected to cut Kanpur–Kabrai travel time from 3.5 hours to 1.5 hours.
  • The project is aligned with the PM GatiShakti National Master Plan and is expected to improve connectivity to economic, social and logistics nodes.
Scienceaviation-technology

India Achieves Major Milestone with Approval of Country’s First PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for Helicopter Operations

India approved its first private Point-in-Space Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations at Undavalli Heliport, developed by AAI and approved by DGCA using satellite-based navigation for safer approaches.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • India’s first private Point-in-Space Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopter operations was approved for Undavalli Heliport.
  • The PinS procedure was developed by the Airports Authority of India and approved by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
  • PinS procedures use satellite-based navigation for precise instrument approaches to heliports without conventional instrument landing infrastructure.
  • The procedure was designed in accordance with DGCA regulations and ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices.
  • The release says similar PinS procedures can benefit emergency medical services, disaster relief, tourism, offshore activities and regional connectivity.
Current Affairsdefence-cooperation

India & Malaysia review entire spectrum of bilateral military cooperation during 12th Sub Committee Meeting in New Delhi

India and Malaysia held the 12th Sub Committee Meeting on Military Cooperation in New Delhi, reviewing defence exchanges, exercises, training, maritime cooperation, emerging domains and Indo-Pacific security.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The 12th India-Malaysia SCMC was held in New Delhi on 1 July 2026.
  • The meeting was co-chaired by India’s Joint Secretary Amitabh Prasad and Malaysian Armed Forces Maj Gen Amer Mahmud Bin Abdul Rahman.
  • The discussions included military exchanges, bilateral exercises, training, staff talks, capacity building and maritime cooperation.
  • Both sides discussed cooperation in defence industry, defence technology, cyber security and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
  • The SCMC is described as the principal military-to-military consultative mechanism and precursor to the Defence Cooperation Meeting.
Current Affairsindia-france

Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman embarks on official 4-day visit to France

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman began a four-day visit to France to co-chair the India–France Economic & Financial Dialogue, meet business leaders and visit ITER and Campus Cyber.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Finance Minister’s visit to France is described as an official four-day visit.
  • She will co-chair the India–France Economic & Financial Dialogue with Roland Lescure at Aix-en-Provence.
  • The visit includes one-to-one meetings with select global CEOs and a roundtable interaction with business executives.
  • The Finance Minister will visit ITER at Cadarache, described as a major international collaboration on nuclear fusion energy.
  • Campus Cyber is described as France’s national hub for cybersecurity innovation, research, skill development and collaboration.
Polity & Governancedigital-public-infrastructure

11 Years of Digital India: Better Healthcare & Digital Markets Making Lives Easier

A Digital India anniversary release highlighted UPI, Poshan Tracker and Indiahandmade, noting UPI’s global real-time payments share, real-time nutrition monitoring under Mission Poshan 2.0 and direct digital markets for artisans.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Digital India was launched on 1 July 2015, and the PIB release marks 11 years of the initiative.
  • UPI was launched in 2016–17 and enables instant, interoperable person-to-person and person-to-merchant transactions across banks.
  • The release says UPI accounts for nearly 49 per cent of the world’s real-time payment transaction volume.
  • Poshan Tracker is under Saksham Anganwadi & Mission Poshan 2.0 and is developed by the Ministry of Women & Child Development.
  • Indiahandmade is a Ministry of Textiles initiative developed by Digital India Corporation and lists over 21,000 handcrafted and handloom products.
Indian Economyagriculture-cooperation

MoU signed between ICAR and the Agriculture Department of Seychelles during Prime Minister's visit

ICAR and Seychelles’ Agriculture Department signed an MoU and a five-year Work Plan for 2026–2031 to deepen cooperation in agricultural research, education, capacity building, technology transfer and food security.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The MoU was signed between ICAR, Government of India, and the Agriculture Department of Seychelles’ Ministry of Fisheries, Agriculture and Blue Economy.
  • The agreement seeks cooperation in agricultural research, education, capacity building and technology transfer between India and Seychelles.
  • A five-year Work Plan for 2026–2031 was signed to operationalise the ICAR-Seychelles agricultural cooperation MoU.
  • The Work Plan covers climate-smart agriculture, horticulture, post-harvest management, livestock development and food and nutritional security.
  • The release states that ICAR has signed more than 100 Memoranda of Understanding with partner institutions across the world.
Geographyurban-infrastructure

Cabinet approves Construction of 6 Lane Road Tunnel For NH-148AE connecting Dwarka Expressway (NH 248 BB) with Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj in Delhi with a Total Project Length of 8.1 Km worth Rs. 6969.67 crore on Hy...

The CCEA approved an 8.1 km six-lane road tunnel project for NH-148AE connecting Dwarka Expressway with Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj, at a capital cost of Rs.6969.67 crore under Hybrid Annuity Mode.

PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from PIB (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The NH-148AE tunnel project will connect Dwarka Expressway (NH 248 BB) with Nelson Mandela Marg, Vasant Kunj in Delhi.
  • The project length is 8.100 km, including 3.140 km of tunnel, 0.980 km of tunnel approach ramp and elevated and at-grade stretches.
  • The approved total capital cost is Rs.6969.67 crore, with implementation on Hybrid Annuity Mode under the NH (O) scheme.
  • A 1.98 km tunnel section passes beneath the Southern Ridge Forest to minimise surface disruption.
  • The tunnel is designed as a twin-tube tunnel to be constructed through TBM, taking off from Shivmurti Interchange.
Environmentclimate-finance

World Bank scraps climate finance targets after U.S. criticism

The World Bank Group said it will retire its 45% climate co-benefits target and the 35% Climate Change Action Plan target after U.S. criticism, while continuing to report emissions and resilience indicators.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — Energy & Environment (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The World Bank Group said in a June 29 statement that it would retire the 45% climate co-benefits target and the 35% CCAP target.
  • The Climate Change Action Plan was launched in 2020 for a five-year period ending 2026.
  • The CCAP initially mandated 35% of total WBG financing for emissions-reduction or climate-adaptation projects, and the goal rose to 45% in 2023.
  • In April, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticised the 45% climate finance target as moving the Bank away from its core mission.
  • The World Bank said it would continue to support countries’ national plans and Nationally Determined Contributions.
Geographyhormuz-warzone

Shipping companies, unions still consider Hormuz a warzone

Shipping unions and companies retained the Strait of Hormuz as a warlike operations area until at least July 9, 2026, after attacks on ships despite a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The Strait of Hormuz designation as a warlike operations area was retained until at least July 9, 2026.
  • The decision was announced by the International Transport Workers’ Federation and the Joint Negotiating Group.
  • The Strait of Hormuz was first designated a warlike operations area on March 5 after ship attacks.
  • The status covers ships under International Bargaining Forum labour agreements, around 15,000 vessels worldwide.
  • At least 14 seafarers have been killed and more than 40 ships attacked during the conflict.
Current Affairsmyanmar-conflict

Myanmar mourns as post-coup conflict death toll hits 1,00,000

ACLED said Myanmar’s post-coup conflict has caused 100,114 conflict-related deaths since February 2021, with over 3.7 million internally displaced and widespread food insecurity.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Myanmar’s military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021.
  • ACLED recorded 100,114 conflict-related fatalities in Myanmar since the coup.
  • The United Nations says more than 3.7 million people are internally displaced in Myanmar.
  • ACLED registered more than 1,200 distinct armed groups in Myanmar’s civil war.
  • The report links the war to refugees in Thailand and Bangladesh, drugs and online scam centres.
Current Affairssudan-rsf

Amnesty says RSF committed ethnic cleansing in Sudan

Amnesty International alleged that Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces committed crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing during attacks on El-Fasher between 2024 and 2025.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • Amnesty alleged RSF crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing in El-Fasher between 2024 and 2025.
  • Sudan’s war between the army and RSF has continued since April 2023.
  • Amnesty interviewed 247 victims or witnesses between early 2024 and October 2025 in North Darfur.
  • The report said RSF attacked settlements around El-Fasher that housed the Zaghawa people.
  • A UN independent fact-finding mission in February said the 2025 assault bore the hallmarks of genocide.
Polity & Governanceethnic-unity-law

China's ethnic unity law comes into force despite overseas criticism

China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into force on July 1, 2026, drawing criticism over minority rights, language freedoms and overseas enforcement.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress came into effect on July 1, 2026.
  • The law aims to forge a shared national identity and strengthen Mandarin as the official language.
  • Campaigners warn the law may affect minority groups such as Uyghurs and Tibetans.
  • The report notes a clause allowing people outside China to be held liable for violating the law.
  • UN rights chief Volker Turk called for the law to be repealed, citing risks to multiple freedoms.
Geographyhormuz-talks

U.S. and Iran enter technical talks to secure peace deal, restart shipping

The U.S. and Iran held technical talks in Doha on July 1, 2026, on Strait of Hormuz shipping, a lasting ceasefire and release of frozen Iranian assets.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The U.S. and Iran held technical talks in Doha on July 1, 2026, over Hormuz shipping and a ceasefire.
  • Qatar mediated the talks alongside Pakistan, according to the source cited in the report.
  • The talks were based on a 14-point interim accord signed the previous month.
  • The interim accord set up 60 days of negotiations for a permanent peace deal.
  • Before the war, the Strait of Hormuz handled one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade.
Scienceai-governance

Unchecked AI progress may pose catastrophic risks, UN panel warns

A preliminary report by the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on AI warned that AI capabilities are outpacing scientific understanding and government policy, creating safety and governance risks.

Source published PrelimsAI reviewed/published
Read the original report from The Hindu — International (opens in a new tab)

Prelims pointers

  • The preliminary report was by the UN’s Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence.
  • Yoshua Bengio, co-chair of the 40-member cross-regional panel, said AI capabilities are outpacing science and governments.
  • The report says AI task complexity is doubling every four to seven months.
  • The panel flagged risks including misinformation, fraud, cyberattacks and biological threats.
  • The AI for Good Global Commission will be co-chaired by Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff.

Today's quiz

Answers are revealed with each question — test yourself before you peek.

Q1Daily quiz

What is the name of the Siang River upstream in Tibet, as stated in the report?

  • AYarlung TsangpoCorrect
  • BShiyomi River
  • CYar Gyap Chu
  • DLohit
Q2Daily quiz

Which deflator did MoSPI adopt for some sectors in the latest IIP methodology change?

  • AProducer Price IndexCorrect
  • BWholesale Price Index
  • CGoods and Services Tax revenues
  • DIndex of Eight Core Sectors
Q3Daily quiz

Which parasite carried by giant African snails can cause eosinophilic meningitis in humans?

  • AAngiostrongylus cantonensisCorrect
  • BLissachatina fulica
  • Ceosinophilic meningitis
  • Dsepticemia
Q4Daily quiz

Which Article was cited for the right of an arrested person to consult and be defended by a lawyer of choice?

  • AArticle 22(1)Correct
  • BArticle 280
  • CArticle 51A only
  • DArticle 243G
Q5Daily quiz

Which constitutional provision did the article mention in connection with the Supreme Court upholding the Bihar SIR?

  • AArticle 324 of the ConstitutionCorrect
  • BArticle 110 of the Constitution
  • CArticle 368 of the Constitution
  • DArticle 356 of the Constitution
Q6Daily quiz

Which statement correctly matches the citizenship principles discussed in the article?

  • AJus soli is based on place of birth, while jus sanguinis is based on the citizenship of parentsCorrect
  • BJus soli is based on parents’ citizenship, while jus sanguinis is based on place of birth
  • CBoth jus soli and jus sanguinis grant citizenship only through naturalisation
  • DNeither principle is relevant to birth-based citizenship laws
Q7Daily quiz

Why had U.S. authorities earlier restricted access to Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models?

  • AThey cited national security and safeguard vulnerabilities that could permit misuseCorrect
  • BThe models lacked any commercial demand outside the United States
  • CAnthropic requested a voluntary pause for routine maintenance only
  • DThe restrictions were imposed by the United Nations, not the U.S. government
Q8Daily quiz

According to the article, Bengal foxes in Tamil Nadu are now known to occur only in pockets of which areas?

  • ADharmapuri, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Madurai and VillupuramCorrect
  • BNilgiris, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Ramanathapuram and Chennai
  • CKanyakumari, Erode, Vellore, Theni and Dindigul
  • DTirunelveli, Cuddalore, Ariyalur, Karur and Nagapattinam
Q9Daily quiz

Why did health authorities begin contact tracing in Tshopo province during Congo’s Ebola outbreak?

  • AA woman who died of Ebola in Ituri was transported about 300 km to Kisangani before a morgue sample tested positiveCorrect
  • BTshopo recorded no possible exposure but requested routine surveillance
  • CAll confirmed cases were confined to Haut-Uele and South Sudan
  • DThe outbreak was declared over before any contact tracing began
Q10Daily quiz

What does a PMI reading above 50 signify, as stated in the article on June 2026 manufacturing PMI?

  • AExpansion in activityCorrect
  • BContraction in activity
  • CNo change in industrial output
  • DA fall in all export orders
Q11Daily quiz

What was the reported effect of Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s fuel sector in June?

  • ACrude processed into fuel fell 25% year-on-year to 3.95 million barrels per dayCorrect
  • BGasoline production rose above domestic demand for the first time
  • CAll rationing was limited to a single refinery town in Tuapse
  • DRussia’s refining capacity remained fully online despite the attacks
Q12Daily quiz

With reference to Pokkhi, the digital bird repository from Assam, which statement is correct?

  • AIt lists 372 resident and migratory bird species recorded in Assam with names and IUCN statusCorrect
  • BIt is limited to critically endangered birds of the Western Ghats
  • CIt was launched as a government portal only for forest officials
  • DIt excludes local bird names and focuses only on scientific names
Q13Daily quiz

Which statement about Spain’s June heatwave data in the article is correct?

  • AAt least 1,028 deaths were attributed to heat, more than double the 407 heat-related deaths in June 2025Correct
  • BAemet said June 2026 was cooler than normal despite high mortality
  • CWorld Weather Attribution said climate change had no role in the heatwave
  • DThe first six months of 2026 were the coldest first semester in Spain’s records
Q14Daily quiz

Which U.S. sanctions list removed the four Indian companies mentioned in the article?

  • AOFAC’s Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons ListCorrect
  • BThe World Bank Debarred Firms Register
  • CThe United Nations Security Council Consolidated List
  • DThe International Court of Justice compliance list
Q15Daily quiz

In the IIT-Delhi study on rutile oxides, which observation challenged the Klemens model?

  • AMetallic rutile oxides stiffened more on cooling than the model could explainCorrect
  • BTitanium dioxide became a good conductor at room temperature
  • CRaman scattering showed no change in lattice vibrations
  • DRuthenium dioxide was confirmed to lack any electron-phonon interaction
Q16Daily quiz

Under Article 5 of the U.S.-Iran MoU described in the article, what is the immediate promise on commercial passage through Hormuz?

  • ASafe passage with no charges for 60 days, with mines and technical impediments to be removed within 30 daysCorrect
  • BPermanent toll-free navigation under exclusive U.S. administration
  • CClosure of all routes except those operated by Singapore and Oman
  • DA ban on commercial vessels moving between the Persian Gulf and the Sea of Oman
Q17Daily quiz

What structural mismatch does the article identify as central to State government fiscal stress?

  • AStates bear large development spending while tax-raising power rests largely with the Union.Correct
  • BStates collect most taxes but are barred from spending on health and education.
  • CMarket borrowings are used only by the Union and never by State governments.
  • DKerala and Tamil Nadu have lower social expenditure than Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
Q18Daily quiz

Which GST concern is highlighted by the June 2026 revenue data in the article?

  • AImport-linked GST revenue was growing much faster than revenue from domestic transactions.Correct
  • BDomestic transaction revenue had become the only source of GST growth.
  • CGST refunds were stopped entirely for exporters and businesses.
  • DAll petroleum products and liquor had already been brought under GST.
Q19Daily quiz

Why did MeitY ask WhatsApp to pause its planned username feature?

  • AIt feared higher risks of spam, fraud, phishing and impersonation attacks.Correct
  • BIt said usernames would automatically disable end-to-end encryption.
  • CIt wanted WhatsApp Web users to remain logged in permanently.
  • DIt found that WhatsApp had already launched the feature for all users.
Q20Daily quiz

Which statement about the High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes is correct according to the article?

  • AIt will seek details of population changes since the 2011 Census from State Chief Secretaries.Correct
  • BIt has already completed the final phase of Population Census 2027.
  • CIt is headed by the Chief Election Commissioner of India.
  • DIt will use SIR data only from one State and no Union Territory.
Q21Daily quiz

The Kerala High Court suo motu PIL on Gudanpara Estate primarily concerns which protected environmental issue?

  • ATree-felling and unauthorised construction on Cardamom Hill Reserve landCorrect
  • BSand mining in the Periyar riverbed
  • CIndustrial discharge into a coastal wetland
  • DEncroachment on a notified tiger reserve buffer
Q22Daily quiz

Which implementation mode was approved for the Kanpur–Kabrai access-controlled highway project on NH-34?

  • ABOT (Toll) modeCorrect
  • BEPC mode
  • CAnnuity without tolling
  • DState-funded departmental execution
Q23Daily quiz

Which agencies developed and approved India’s first private PinS Instrument Approach Procedure for helicopters?

  • AAAI developed it and DGCA approved itCorrect
  • BTRAI developed it and AAI approved it
  • CDGCA developed it and ICAR approved it
  • DNHAI developed it and ICAO approved it
Q24Daily quiz

What role does the India-Malaysia SCMC serve according to the PIB release?

  • APrincipal military-to-military consultative mechanismCorrect
  • BA tax grievance-redressal platform
  • CA telecom quality testing agency
  • DA hydrographic survey vessel
Q25Daily quiz

Which dialogue will the Finance Minister co-chair during her official visit to France?

  • AIndia–France Economic & Financial DialogueCorrect
  • BIndia-Malaysia SCMC
  • CASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus
  • DGlobal Poshan Tracker Dialogue
Q26Daily quiz

Consider the following statement: Poshan Tracker was developed under Saksham Anganwadi & Mission Poshan 2.0 by which ministry?

  • AMinistry of Women & Child DevelopmentCorrect
  • BMinistry of Textiles
  • CMinistry of Civil Aviation
  • DMinistry of Defence
Q27Daily quiz

What is the time period of the five-year Work Plan signed under the ICAR-Seychelles agricultural cooperation MoU?

  • A2026–2031Correct
  • B2025–2030
  • C2026–2030
  • D2027–2032
Q28Daily quiz

The approved NH-148AE road tunnel in Delhi will connect Dwarka Expressway with which location?

  • ANelson Mandela Marg, Vasant KunjCorrect
  • BBundelkhand Expressway, Mahoba
  • CKanpur Ring Road, Chakeri
  • DBarapullah Road, Noida
Q29Daily quiz

Which World Bank climate finance target was criticised by the U.S. and retired in the June 29 statement?

  • AThe 45% climate co-benefits targetCorrect
  • BA 9-billion-cubic-metre reservoir target
  • CA 125-day job guarantee target
  • DA 74,301-person self-enumeration target
Q30Daily quiz

Which organisations jointly said the Strait of Hormuz would remain a warlike operations area?

  • AInternational Transport Workers’ Federation and Joint Negotiating GroupCorrect
  • BUN Human Rights Council and Amnesty International
  • CQatar’s Central Bank and Pakistan’s Prime Minister
  • DU.S. Navy 5th Fleet and ACLED
Q31Daily quiz

According to the report, which monitor recorded 100,114 conflict-related fatalities in Myanmar since the February 2021 coup?

  • AArmed Conflict Location & Event DataCorrect
  • BInternational Transport Workers’ Federation
  • CIndependent International Scientific Panel on AI
  • DJoint Negotiating Group
Q32Daily quiz

Which ethnic group’s settlements around El-Fasher were said by Amnesty to have been systematically attacked by the RSF?

  • AZaghawa peopleCorrect
  • BUyghurs
  • CTibetans
  • DNyishi people
Q33Daily quiz

Which language-related measure is associated with China’s Law on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress in the report?

  • AStrengthening Mandarin as the official languageCorrect
  • BMaking Tibetan the national official language
  • CReplacing Mandarin with Uyghur in public spaces
  • DRemoving all language rules from education
Q34Daily quiz

Consider the following statements: 1. The Doha talks involved U.S.-Iran issues over the Strait of Hormuz. 2. The interim accord set up 60 days of negotiations for a permanent peace deal. Which is/are correct?

  • A1 only
  • B2 only
  • CBoth 1 and 2Correct
  • DNeither 1 nor 2
Q35Daily quiz

Consider the following statements: 1. The UN panel report said AI task complexity is doubling every four to seven months. 2. Yoshua Bengio was named as a co-chair of the panel. Which is/are correct?

  • A1 only
  • B2 only
  • CBoth 1 and 2Correct
  • DNeither 1 nor 2

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