Current affairs

Delhi Lakshmi Yojana Form 2026: Apply Online for ₹2,500 Monthly, Eligibility, Documents

The Delhi Government has launched the Delhi Lakshmi Yojana 2026, a major women-focused welfare scheme that will provide ₹2,500 per month to eligible women in Delhi. The online registration portal was opened on 1 August 2026. The scheme was earlier...

SC/ST Creamy Layer Debate 2026: What Centre Told Supreme Court and Why It Matters

The debate over applying the creamy layer principle to Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) has returned to the centre of India’s reservation discourse. In August 2026, the Union Government told the Supreme Court that the creamy layer principle...

MSME Development Amendment Bill 2026: Key Provisions, TReDS, 50% Payment Rule

MSME Development Amendment Bill 2026: Parliament has cleared the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Amendment) Bill, 2026, marking a significant step towards addressing the long-standing problem of delayed payments to MSMEs. The legislation seeks to improve liquidity, accelerate dispute...

Food Security Act Amendment 2026: Impact on Antyodaya Anna Yojana and Poor Households

Food Security Act Amendment 2026: The Department of Food and Public Distribution (DFPD) has proposed amendments to the National Food Security Act (NFSA), 2013, through the draft National Food Security (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The proposal seeks to change the foodgrain...

16th Finance Commission and Fiscal Federalism: Constitutional vs Negotiated Transfers Explained

Context The 16th Finance Commission (2026–31) has retained the States' share in the divisible tax pool at 41% while restructuring grants and placing greater emphasis on fiscal discipline and performance-based transfers. This has reignited the debate over whether India's fiscal...

GOBARdhan Scheme 2026 Approved: Objectives, Features, Benefits, and UPSC Notes

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the GOBARdhan (Galvanizing Organic Bio-Agro Resources Dhan) – National Circular Bioenergy Scheme with a total financial outlay of ₹23,731 crore. The scheme, which will be implemented from FY 2026–27...

National Handloom Day 2026: Date, Theme, History, Significance, Government Schemes and UPSC Notes

National Handloom Day 2026 is being observed across India on 7 August 2026 to recognize the country's centuries-old handloom tradition and honor the invaluable contribution of millions of handloom weavers and artisans. The day commemorates the Swadeshi Movement launched on...

Chandipura Virus Outbreak 2026: Symptoms, Causes, Transmission, Treatment and Government Response

India is witnessing renewed concern over the Chandipura Virus Disease (CHPV) following a fresh outbreak in Gujarat and Rajasthan during the 2026 monsoon season. The outbreak has primarily affected children, prompting the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare to...

Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP): Key Features and Significance

Context The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) launched the Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) on International Clouded Leopard Day. About Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) Nature: The Clouded Leopard Conservation Action Plan (CAP) is a...

NATO’s Evolving Strategic Role: Indo-Pacific Outreach & Lessons for India

Context As the United States shifts its strategic focus to the Indo-Pacific, NATO is redefining its role through greater European defence responsibility and increased engagement with the Indo-Pacific, carrying important implications for India's regional strategy and security architecture. How does...